Flu epidemic hits all of mainland France

Winter flu has reached epidemic level in eight more regions according to data released by the French public health authority, with only Corsica remaining at pre-epidemic level.

The epidemic affects all age groups, says the weekly report by Santé publique France published on December 18, with symptoms of low to medium intensity.

The average number of consultations for flu symptoms has risen to 237 per 100,000 inhabitants from 180 last week when only four regions were at epidemic level.

Similarly, the number of emergency room visits for flu symptoms last week was 5,871, or 1.7% of all visits against 1% in the previous week.

Of these visits, 763 people were hospitalised, representing 1.1% of all hospital admissions against 0.7% in the previous week.

Read more: When, where, how: 2024-2025 flu vaccinations in France

Rise in winter flu cases in France

The number of cases this year has risen faster than previous year but slightly slower than in 2023.

There are two strains behind the current epidemic, the report states: an A (H1N1) and B influenza virus.