Health

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

news

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

French government shines spotlight on autism

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

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

Patients face cancellations as French hospital staff set to strike

Union is calling for emergency units under threat to be maintained, more hospital beds, and pay rises

72 medications used in France suspended due to ‘irregularities’

There is no suggestion that the drugs - which all are generics - are harmful to patients

Dengue fever cases continue to rise in France

Number of cases has surged in 2024. So far all cases have been imported from people who have travelled abroad

Former French health authority boss faces legal case for anti-vax stance

Ex-director in Dordogne claims she ‘did everything she could to limit the opening of vaccination centres’ during the Covid pandemic

Prescription rules change for French pharmacies and antibiotics

Patients will still need to take a test for the permitted conditions where a prescription in no longer required

Why Covid-19 hospital cases are rising again in France

‘Covid is not gone’ warn experts, ahead of the legislative elections and Olympics

Who can be a blood donor in France and how to help if subject to UK ban

It only takes 10 minutes to give blood, and booking an appointment is easy

Letters: patients face six-month wait to see doctor in parts of France

Connexion reader says that nobody seems to be tackling the problem of medical deserts

Covid-19 in France: Hospital consultations remain low, but rising

‘This does not mean we are facing another major epidemic, but Covid can no longer be ruled out” in case of symptoms, says an expert

Surge in imported dengue fever cases to France from overseas

There are concerns that tiger mosquitoes will spread the disease within the country

Be vigilant over these large ticks found in south of France

The ticks are mainly known for spreading Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever, and have been reported in 11 departments so far

French private health workers prepare for unlimited strike in pay row

Up to 260,000 workers including carers and nurses could join action from June 18. Union claims government and federations have backtracked on promised salary rises