As part of its surveillance, monitoring, and early warning activities regarding seasonal epidemics, Santé publique France analyzes surveillance data on influenza, bronchiolitis, and acute gastroenteritis collected through its network of partners*. The analysis of this data is published weekly in three epidemiological bulletins.

Situation Update

Influenza Epidemiological Bulletin

Epidemiological Bulletin on Bronchiolitis

Epidemiological Bulletin on Acute Gastroenteritis

Practice "preventive measures"

Handwashing
To limit the spread of germs and perhaps avoid spending a few days in bed with a fever, a few simple preventive measures should be adopted, such as washing your hands several times a day. This is essential after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing; after visiting someone who is sick; after every time you go outside; and, of course, before preparing, serving, or eating meals. For proper handwashing, it is recommended to use liquid soap (bar soap is not as hygienic because it remains damp) for thirty seconds and to remember to scrub your nails and fingertips, the palms and backs of your hands, your knuckles, and your wrists. Hands should be dried with a clean towel or in the open air. A hand sanitizer can also be used instead of washing hands if they are not soiled.

Tissues
Covering your mouth as soon as you cough or sneeze (in your sleeve or a disposable tissue) is a good practice that should also be taught to children. Use a tissue and dispose of it in a closed trash can immediately after use, then wash your hands.

Wearing a mask
If you are sick, a surgical mask (available at pharmacies) will help prevent the spread of germs. Wash your hands before handling it, change it every 4 hours or as soon as it gets wet, do not reuse it, and dispose of it in a covered trash can before washing your hands.

Avoid…
Finally, avoid shaking hands, kissing, and sharing personal items (cutlery, glasses, toothbrushes, towels, etc.). Avoid crowded places (shopping malls, public transportation), and if possible, avoid taking infants and children there.

Ventilate
Finally, remember to ventilate every room in your home every day for at least 10 minutes to refresh the air.

*Our network of partners:

• For influenza surveillance: private practitioners (Sentinelles Network, SOS Médecins), emergency physicians (French Society of Emergency Medicine, SFMU), intensive care specialists (with support from the French Society of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, SFAR, French-Language Resuscitation Society, SRLF, and Grufp), epidemiologists (Inserm, UPMC), and microbiologists (coordinated by the National Reference Center for Influenza Viruses, Institut Pasteur, and Hospices Civils de Lyon);

• for bronchiolitis surveillance: emergency physicians (French Society of Emergency Medicine, SFMU) and private practitioners (SOS Médecins and Réseau Sentinelles), and virologists (coordinated by the National Reference Center for Influenza Viruses, Institut Pasteur, and Hospices Civils de Lyon);

• for the surveillance of acute gastroenteritis: private practitioners (Réseau Sentinelles, SOS Médecins), emergency physicians (French Society of Emergency Medicine, SFMU), and microbiologists (National Reference Center for Enteric Viruses, Dijon University Hospital).