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3mo ago

France Faces Severe Flu Epidemic with High Mortality and Vaccine Challenges

The flu epidemic intensifies across all age groups, with children heavily impacted and limited vaccine efficacy among the elderly raising concerns.

Parmi les décès liés à la grippe cette année, 92 % concernaient des personnes de 65 ans et plus.
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Compte tenu de la faible efficacité du vaccin contre la grippe pour cette saison, Santé Publique France préconise l’adoption systématique des gestes barrières.

Overview

  • The flu epidemic in France has reached unprecedented levels, with a 7% mortality rate among all deaths reported in late January, the highest in several years.
  • Children are experiencing exceptionally high rates of hospitalizations, with one-tenth of hospitalizations in children over four attributed to the flu.
  • The flu vaccine's effectiveness is notably low among individuals over 65, with preliminary estimates showing only 31–39% efficacy for this group.
  • The simultaneous circulation of three flu strains—H1N1, H3N2, and B/Victoria—is contributing to the epidemic's severity and widespread impact.
  • Health authorities emphasize the importance of preventive measures, such as handwashing, mask-wearing, and ventilating spaces, to curb the virus's spread.