In its influenza epidemiological bulletin dated December 13, Santé publique France announced the start of the epidemic in the Île-de-France region and a sharp increase in influenza activity in mainland France. Eight metropolitan regions are in the pre-epidemic phase and are expected to enter an epidemic phase shortly. All types of influenza viruses are currently circulating, with a majority of type A viruses. Among these type A viruses, the majority are of the A(H1N1) subtype.

In this context, the Directorate General for Health, the National Health Insurance, and Santé publique France remind the public that vaccination remains the best way to protect against the flu and limit its complications.

Ile-de-France is the first metropolitan region to enter a seasonal flu epidemic.

Most other regions are in the pre-epidemic phase, with the exception of the Grand Est, Bourgogne-Franche-Comté, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, and Corsica regions.

From December 6 to 13, 2017, the increase in surveillance signals compared to the previous week suggests that the flu epidemic is likely to begin soon in all regions.

It’s not too late to get vaccinated!

Each year, the flu leads to 2 to 6 million visits to primary care physicians. The 2016–2017 epidemic also resulted in more than 1,500 intensive care hospitalizations and nearly 14,400 deaths, primarily among at-risk individuals who were not vaccinated. However, the flu vaccine remains the best way to reduce the risk of complications that can lead to hospitalization or even death among the most vulnerable individuals.

The flu vaccination campaign targets those who need protection the most (the elderly, people with certain chronic conditions, pregnant women, and obese individuals)—more than 12 million people who are eligible for 100% coverage of the vaccine cost.

Simple steps to protect yourself and limit the spread of the flu

While vaccination remains the best protection, there are simple steps that help limit person-to-person transmission of the disease, such as washing your hands regularly; covering your mouth and nose with your elbow or a tissue when coughing or sneezing; using disposable tissues and throwing them away; limiting contact with others if you have flu-like symptoms; or wearing a surgical mask when around others.

Since the start of the winter illness surveillance period on November 6, 2017, a communication initiative has complemented the seasonal flu vaccination campaign led by the French National Health Insurance. It includes, in particular, the sharing on social media of an animated video, infographics, and specific recommendations on the 7 preventive measures.

For more information:

Ministry of Solidarity and Health: http://solidarites-sante.gouv.fr/prevention-en-sante/preserver-sa-sante/pour-un-hiver-sans-virus/ne-laissons-pas-les-microbes-nous-gacher-l-hiverCNAMTS: https://www.ameli.fr/assure/sante/themes/grippe-saisonniere