The flu killed more people than Covid-19 last week, the first time since 2020

The flu epidemic continues at a high level in France, while the number of people infected with Covid-19 remains stable.

Turn a page? For the first time since the start of the pandemic, influenza overtook Covid-19 in the cause of death in the week from January 29 to February 4.

Of the 6,072 deaths declared by electronic certificate, “3.5% had influenza as a direct causative or contributing medical condition”, while Covid-19 was cited for 2.3% of cases. Weekly Bulletin on Acute Respiratory Infections Published this Wednesday February 7 in Public Health France.

Most Covid-19 indicators were in fact declining or stable, “reflecting a moderate circulation of SARS-CoV-2, even if (the city) saw a slight increase in drug positivity rates”, according to the health agency. In some months, Covid, which still causes several epidemic waves each year, is associated with more deaths than seasonal flu.

The flu is settling down

The flu epidemic that spread throughout the metropolis in mid-January continued at a high level last week, but key indicators seem to indicate a trend towards stabilization, Public Health France highlighted this Wednesday, February 7.

After a sharp increase during the previous two weeks, in mainland France, in the week of January 29 to February 4, “most indicators were stable in community medicine and increased slightly in hospitals”, the health agency clarifies.

The flu vaccination campaign, which specifically targets people over the age of 65, has been extended by a month by health officials. Initially scheduled till January 31, it must now run till February 29.

Regarding bronchiolitis, all metropolitan regions recovered from the epidemic, while two foreign regions, Réunion and Mayotte, struggled with it.

Systematic adoption of barrier gestures by everyone remains important, especially in symptomatic conditions, the health agency recommends wearing a mask in busy places and in the presence of vulnerable people. “These measures are an effective way to protect against respiratory infections,” she recalls.