Flu cases in France to peak in next few weeks as minister warns of ‘intense’ circulation

A peak in flu cases is expected in around two weeks in France. 

The number of patients suffering is particularly high compared to preceding years, said France’s Health Minister Yannick Neuder, as this winter's strain is more aggressive than previous years.

All regions of mainland France and Corsica are facing an epidemic.

People are recommended to wear a face mask if they have any symptoms (cough, sore throat, etc) to minimise the risk of the virus spreading. 

Those who frequently come into contact with those listed as ‘vulnerable’ (over 65, immunocompromised, etc) or those who are vulnerable themselves are also recommended to wear a mask when outside even when not presenting symptoms.

This includes on public transport and in busy areas, including healthcare facilities.

“During the Covid period, we didn't get gastroenteritis or flu because we washed our hands, coughed into our elbows and put on a mask. I think that collectively we've become lax,” said Mr Neuder in an interview with media outlet BFMTV.

Call for increase in vaccination

In addition, authorities are urging people not yet vaccinated who belong to a vulnerable group to do so.

Mr Neuder confirmed there are enough of the vaccines stockpiled to see the country through until the end of January- when the vaccination season for the winter flu ends 

The health service said that around 80% of patients currently hospitalised with the flu are not vaccinated against it. 

It is “calling for increased mobilisation of citizens and healthcare professionals to vaccinate the most vulnerable people’, particularly those aged 65 and over, and those with co-morbidities,” and those who work or live with vulnerable people.

Read more: France’s 2024/2025 flu vaccination season – how to get jabbed

Read more: Hospital flu admissions on rise in France: Is it too late to get vaccinated?

There has been a drop in the number of people getting vaccinated in France in the last few years, and for the current season, only 10.3 million people have been given according to Benjamin Rossi, infectiologist at Robert Ballanger in Seine-Saint-Denis.

Read more: GRAPH: Variation in flu vaccination rates in France in last 16 years

Despite the urge for increased vaccination coverage, some pharmacies report facing shortages of the vaccine.

Up to 30% of pharmacies are affected by shortages, said Philippe Besset, president of the FSPF pharmacists union to the AFP earlier these week. 

However, pharmacies are working together to share doses until new batches are delivered, he added.

The minister said that plans for the 2025-2026 vaccination campaign will begin in a few weeks – after the current epidemic levels off – and ‘questions over compulsory vaccination’ against flu would be tabled.

Toll on hospitals 

Whilst hospitalisations are rising most rapidly for over 65s, the number of cases among all age groups is on the rise. 

The number of patients is overwhelming hospitals, with around 100 hospitals having activated their ‘white plans’ to prioritise flu patients. 

Read more: What does France’s hospital ‘white plan’ do?

The number of people with flu in France is estimated in the first week of January at 352 per 100,000 by the health authorities in their latest report, compared to 278 per 100,000 in the final week of 2024. 

Nearly 20% of all calls to SOS Médecins relate to people suffering from flu-like symptoms, the report adds.

Around 10,000 people per year in France die from the flu or complications from the flu, estimates the Institut Pasteur. In the 2017-2018 year - particularly harsh - this rose to 13,000.