Covid-19, flu, bronchiolitis… Despite the decline, the virus is still present in France

Despite the reduction in circulation, the virus is still present in the region. The seasonal flu epidemic continues to affect almost the entire mainland and part of the overseas, Public Health France reported this Wednesday, January 17, 2024. The week of January 8 to 14 was marked by the circulation of the remaining influenza viruses “Despite a drop in positivity rates in the city and in the hospital, at a high level.”The Public Health Agency summarized in its weekly bulletin on acute respiratory infections.

Brittany and Normandy are not yet fully affected

In the hospital, the emergency indicators were only increasing among the 0-4 year olds, but this development “May also be seen in other age groups in the coming weeks”According to the agency. In mainland France, only Brittany and Normandy have not yet been completely affected by the flu epidemic. However, they should be followed, as long as it is in the pre-epidemic stage.

Also read: Flu in Normandy: Pandemic peak expected next week

Abroad, Guyana and Guadeloupe are in the epidemic phase, while Martinique remains in the pre-epidemic phase. The epidemic is over in Mayotte.

Bronchiolitis on the decline

If the flu remains very present, bronchiolitis, which mainly affects children, continues to decrease. “Decreasing SOS Medicines Medical Procedures, Emergency Room Visits, and Hospitalizations After Bronchiolitis Visits in Children Under 2 Years”. For the sixth week, Public Health France noted. Four mainland regions remain affected by bronchiolitis: Burgundy-French-Comte, Corsica, Occitanie and Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur. On the other hand, seven are no longer considered epidemic areas.

Also read: Certificates. “Since 2020, my life has become a mask”: the disrupted daily lives of immunocompromised people

As for Covid-19, the virus continues to circulate actively, but the decline seen in community medicine and hospitals over the past several weeks has continued. Globally, “Despite declines in hospitalizations seen for SARS-CoV-2 and RSV, circulating respiratory virus remains high”The health agency noted.

A call to respect the barrier gesture

In this context, in addition to insisting on the vaccination of those most at risk against influenza and Covid, Public Health France reiterates its call to respect “In case of symptoms, wearing a mask, washing hands and regular ventilation of closed spaces in busy places and in the presence of vulnerable people”

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Just under a third of French people aged 65 and over have received an anti-Covid vaccine booster since the start of the autumn campaign. And since this second campaign began, a third of anti-Covid vaccinations for seniors have been administered, as have anti-flu vaccinations.