Health

What is a French attestation des droits? Is it necessary to have one?

Schools and nurseries often ask parents to provide this document

Alert over wild mushrooms in France: 400 cases of intoxication since July

Pickers advised to avoid relying on smartphone apps to identify mushroom types due to risk of error

Could reimbursement rates for medical consultations be lowered in France?

Cost-cutting measure is reported to be under review. Any reduction is likely to see insurance costs rise

news

Expert casts doubt on claims bites from French 'violin' spider killed two

'No deaths from a spider bite' have ever been recorded in France

Drug use in France surges to record high

A recent study shows significant rise in consumption across the nation, with cocaine use most notably on the up

Half of women in France not aware of breast cancer risk factors

A new study ahead of awareness month Pink October revealed ‘concerning results’ says an anti-cancer group

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

The new campaign begins on October 15. Here are the details and how to get a jab

Visualise: Data on workers’ sick-leave days in France

Sick-leave is costing more and more each year, with authorities keen to reduce strain on healthcare budget

Change to prescription rules in France to prevent addiction

Two kinds of medicines will soon need a ‘secure’ prescription

Is medicinal cannabis legal in France and is CBD available in high-street shops?

There are ongoing trials assessing the benefits of cannabis for certain serious illnesses

EU gives go-ahead for France to ban disposable vapes

A law can now be passed to ban single-use e-cigarettes, called ‘puffs’ by young people, following health and environmental concerns

Covid-19 hospitalisation cases on rise in France

All age groups are affected but particularly the over 65s

Medicine shortages in France: heavy penalties for 11 laboratories

‘No class of drugs was spared’ from the severe shortages recorded last year, health authorities say

Is France set to ban smoking on restaurant and cafe terraces?

A new European proposal suggests a ban on smoking and vaping in outdoor and semi-outdoor public areas

Ceam or Ghic: Which health card is right for Britons in France?

The choice is dependent upon which country funds your healthcare

How France’s new free health checks work

People in four key age groups are eligible and the 30-45 minute checks are designed to offer better preventative care

Are there English-speaking dentists in France?

France does suffer from so-called ‘medical deserts’ which can affect all professions

New hope in France of treatment for rare fatal motor neurone disease

Blood platelets injected into patients with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) may prolong life expectancy and improve quality of life

Why speaking French is good for your brain

Learning a new language can improve brain health and even delay the onset of dementia

French authorities announce major reform to workers’ sick pay rules

The cost of sick leave days is expected to ‘increase by more than €1 billion’ to €17 billion by the end of 2024

€1 franchise fee proposed for medical devices in France

Adding the fee could save the state at least €259 million in healthcare costs, a new report claims

France to offer free STI screening for young - no prescription needed

Previously only HIV tests were available this way

Dogs banned from French city water spaces after pet dies

The municipality of Lille issued the order after a dog was found to have died from blue-green algae poisoning

French medical laboratories issue strike notice for September

Unions say budget cuts of almost 10% may force closures, but state health authorities argue budget was already agreed

Allergy warning: several areas of France on red alert for ragweed pollen

Over three million people in France thought to be allergic to this pollen

Dengue: Anti-mosquito operation launched in France after new case

The infected person had travelled to a high-risk tropical area before returning to France

1.5cm hole in leg: Teenager bitten by ‘violin’ spider in south of France

The spiders are not thought to be aggressive. We look at where they are in France and the possible complications of a bite

What essential health screenings are available for free in France?

Preventative cancer testing is provided but often depends on age, gender and pre-existing conditions

50 French hospitals hit by long patient delays or summer closures

The health minister has admitted ‘there are difficult situations to address’ as one health union claims four people have died while waiting for emergency care

110,000 boxes of antibiotics recalled in France

Pharmacists must return stocks, but individuals should not in theory have any faulty medicines in their homes

Successful trial means medicinal cannabis set to be available in France

Treatment could be prescribed widely from 2025

Mpox: France is preparing for ‘a few clusters’ of cases

‘We are ready to face up to this epidemic, with vaccines that will work’ but the virus is not expected to ‘spread widely’, experts say

Are Mpox (monkeypox) vaccines available in France?

Spread of new variant of virus is causing concern across world

French government shines spotlight on autism

An awareness campaign launched earlier this year aims to enhance understanding and support

Travelling outside France? Check which jabs you need

If you are heading for far-flung destinations, it is vital to have the right vaccinations

‘West Nile’ virus has had three native French cases

Virus is often asymptomatic but can result in lasting neurological damage, and even death

Comment: ‘If you are going to break a tooth, don’t do it in France in August’

Reader tells how he tried 70 different dentists - but still no luck

Several emergency hospital services temporarily closed across France

A shortage of staff has caused closures or service restrictions in hospitals including centres in Dordogne, Provence, and Brittany

France to launch plan to tackle winter medicine shortages

We look at why shortages have been rising over the past few years and what is being done

Hearing aid take-up soars in France following 100% reimbursement scheme

The 100% Santé Reform, launched in 2019, covers hearing, visual and dental equipment

Where can I find an English-speaking doctor in France?

Doctors are not allowed to ‘promote’ themselves via advertisements

Can we get help towards my wife’s respite care costs in France?

Certain low-income families may not benefit from tax reductions when it comes to respite care

Covid: Latest stats in France as Olympic winner tests positive

Noah Lyles had been aiming to take four gold medals in Paris but Covid scuppered his ambitions

French town opens medical centre for those without a GP

The centre takes patients with or without appointments, amid the growing problem of 'medical deserts'

Hundreds of hikers hit by stomach bug on Corsican GR20 trek

Seven people have been hospitalised and the cause is still being investigated

Can I claim UK 'Attendance Allowance' if I live in France?

Brexit changed eligibility requirements for this benefit

Seven French expressions revolving around health

Un torticolis, un bleu, sa ligne - can you work out what these terms mean?

Breastfeeding increases in France but still way behind UK and US

Almost three quarters of mothers now breastfeed their babies at birth in France, but health authorities say UK and US are still considerably ahead

French watchdog publishes map of beaches where swimmers risk illness

Find your nearest beach: the interactive map lets you search and zoom in, and shows a colour-coded legend of whether to avoid a beach or not

Explained: home help options for the elderly in France

What are the financials aid, services and steps to access home assistance?

Medicine, summer heat, sun cream: Official French health agency advice

The annual hot weather reminder includes tips for sun protection, medicine storage, and how to prevent dehydration

Common food additive used in France linked to coeliac disease

One of the most common food additives, present in thousands of products, could promote the development of autoimmune conditions

Nurses can now sign death certificates in France

A law giving nurses the authority to sign death certificates has been extended to the whole of the country

Watch out for health card scams around Olympics, warn French officials

The Assurance maladie will never ask you to pay to ‘renew’ or deliver your carte Vitale, or ask you for login details

Covid: masks return for Tour de France after cyclists test positive

Plus: What is the current Covid situation in France?

Adult vaccines in France: check here that you are protected

It is important to keep informed and stay up to date with your vaccines as an adult

French physiotherapist battles with bureaucracy over New Zealand degree

She tells of her frustration at being unable to practise due to ‘nightmarish’ admin obstacles. ‘I am French, imagine if I was a foreigner,’ she said

MS sufferer turns to Tik Tok to fill void in French support

Katie Bryant shares her journey with MS, revealing the challenges of living with a disability that is not visible and finding support through an online community

French hospital staff announce a second strike in July

Workers at public hospitals - and some private ones - are affected. Patients are advised to check if their appointments are impacted

French health authority recommends anti-bronchitis vaccine for over 75s

It also advises that people aged over 65s with certain conditions also have it

Seven medicines used in France withdrawn over irregularities

Dozens more may be withdrawn over next two years, as effectiveness of drugs was not accurately evaluated in studies

Horseriding accident in Brittany left me with a broken neck

Alex Nicholls, 62, broke her neck in an equestrian accident and spent months immobilised from the waist up

Access to physiotherapists, nurses, and opticians now easier in France

The rules will be trialled for five years

Best and worst anti-mosquito products in test by French consumer group

The best product scored 16.8 out of 20. The test comes amid record cases of dengue fever

Covid-19: Advice for tests, masks, isolation as cases rise in France

‘We must still remember that Covid is a virus that can cause severe illness’

What are ‘long’ birth certificates French authorities ask for?

Some official French administrative services may require this document

12 hospitalised as mystery intoxication strikes again in French town

Investigations into the possible source have so far proved fruitless. Carbon monoxide poisoning, food poisoning, and air pollution have been ruled out