Epidemic Hotspots by Department: Latest Map
- France is witnessing a marked improvement in the influenza epidemic.
- This improvement suggests the epidemic's end is near, reflected in various hospital indicators.
- Only Allier and Indre-et-Loire have seen relative increases of nearly 4% and 22%,respectively.
Declining Flu Cases Signal End of Epidemic in France
Table of Contents
- Declining Flu Cases Signal End of Epidemic in France
- Flu Epidemic in France: Q&A on Declining Cases adn Vaccination
- Is the Flu Epidemic in France Ending?
- How Have Hospitalizations Related to Flu Changed?
- Are All Areas of France Seeing a Decline in flu Cases?
- Which Part of France Is Still Most Affected by the Flu?
- How Severe Are the Flu Cases in France?
- Who is Most at Risk of Severe Flu in France?
- What Were the Results of the Flu Vaccination Campaign in France?
- Summary of Flu Trends in france (Early March 2025)
France is witnessing a marked improvement in the influenza epidemic. Indicators have shown a decline for the fifth consecutive week, with three regions—Center-Val-de-Loire, Corsica, and Normandy—entering a post-epidemic phase.
This improvement suggests the epidemic’s end is near, reflected in various hospital indicators. The proportion of flu cases in emergency room visits has decreased to an average of 1.5%, down from nearly 4% five weeks prior and 2.4% the previous week. This decline is evident across most departments.
Significant Decrease in Flu Cases Across Most of France
Only Allier and Indre-et-Loire have seen relative increases of nearly 4% and 22%,respectively. All other departments are experiencing notable declines: -59% in Eure-et-Loir, Manche, Haute-Loire, Pyrénées-Orientales, and Vendée, -66% in Alpes-de-Haute-Provence, and as much as -73% in Gers.
Consequently, in Yonne, the department with the highest proportion of flu-related emergency room visits, flu cases now account for just under 4%, compared to 8% a month ago.
Eastern France Still More Affected by Influenza
The northwest quarter of the country appears to be nearing the end of its epidemic phase. In contrast, the eastern half of France still sees a higher proportion of flu cases in emergency departments.
While the epidemic is receding, the proportion of severe cases remains relatively high. On average, 20% of flu cases seen in emergency rooms result in hospitalization, compared to 21.2% the previous week. Severe cases appear more prevalent in western France and the northeast quarter.
Elderly Population Disproportionately Affected by Severe Cases
According to its weekly bulletin, Santé Publique France notes that older individuals are notably vulnerable to severe cases. People aged 65 and over represent 61% of hospitalizations following emergency room visits for flu or flu-like symptoms this week, up from 60% the previous week.
The impact of influenza on mortality is also decreasing. Among deaths reported via electronic certificate, 3.3% listed influenza as a morbid condition directly causing or contributing to the death, compared to 4.1% the previous week. Older adults remain overrepresented, with 93% of flu-related deaths occurring in individuals aged 65 and older.
Flu Vaccination Campaign Concludes
The seasonal flu vaccination campaign concluded on february 28.While final vaccination coverage figures are not yet available,as of December 31,flu vaccination coverage was estimated at 49.8% among individuals aged 65 and older and 22.7% among those under 65 at risk of severe flu.
These figures are lower than the previous year’s rates of 52.7% for those aged 65 and older and 24.5% for those under 65 at risk of severe influenza.
Flu Epidemic in France: Q&A on Declining Cases adn Vaccination
France has been experiencing a seasonal flu epidemic. This Q&A provides details on the current status of the epidemic in early March 2025, focusing on the decline in cases, affected regions, severity, and vaccination efforts.
Is the Flu Epidemic in France Ending?
Yes, France is showing significant improvement in its influenza epidemic.Indicators point to a decline in cases for the fifth consecutive week, suggesting the epidemic is nearing its end. Several regions are already in a post-epidemic phase.
Which regions in France are in a post-epidemic phase for influenza?
As of early March 2025, three regions in France have entered a post-epidemic phase:
Center-Val-de-Loire
Corsica
Normandy
There’s been a notable decrease in flu cases reported in emergency rooms. On average, flu cases now account for onyl 1.5% of emergency room visits, a significant drop from nearly 4% five weeks earlier and 2.4% the previous week.
Are All Areas of France Seeing a Decline in flu Cases?
While most departments are experiencing declines, two areas reported increases:
Allier (increase of approximately 4%)
Indre-et-Loire (increase of approximately 22%)
Though, several other departments have seen substantial decreases:
Eure-et-Loir, Manche, Haute-Loire, Pyrénées-Orientales, and Vendée (-59%)
Alpes-de-Haute-Provence (-66%)
Gers (-73%)
Which Part of France Is Still Most Affected by the Flu?
While the northwest quarter of France seems to be nearing the end of the epidemic, the eastern half of the country is still experiencing a higher proportion of flu cases.
How Severe Are the Flu Cases in France?
Even though the epidemic is receding the proportion of severe cases remains relatively high. Approximately 20% of flu cases seen in emergency rooms result in hospitalization. Severe cases are more common in western France and the northeast quarter.
Who is Most at Risk of Severe Flu in France?
Older individuals are disproportionately affected by severe flu cases. People aged 65 and over account for 61% of hospitalizations following emergency room visits for flu or flu-like symptoms.
what is the impact of influenza on morality?
The impact of influence on morality is also decreasing. Among deaths reported via electronic certificate, 3.3% listed influenza as a morbid condition directly causing or contributing to the death, compared to 4.1% the previous week. Older adults remain overrepresented, with 93% of flu-related deaths occurring in individuals aged 65 and older.
What Were the Results of the Flu Vaccination Campaign in France?
The seasonal flu vaccination campaign concluded on February 28th. Vaccination coverage rates were:
49.8% among individuals aged 65 and older
22.7% among those under 65 at risk of severe flu
These rates are lower then the previous year.
why were the vaccination rates lower than the previous year?
The article does not specify why vaccination rates were lower.
Summary of Flu Trends in france (Early March 2025)
| Category | Trend |
| :——————– | :———————————————————– |
| Overall Flu cases | Declining for the fifth consecutive week |
| Regions in Post-Epidemic Phase | Center-Val-de-Loire, Corsica, Normandy |
| ER Visits | 1.5% of visits related to flu, down from 4% five weeks prior |
| Hospitalizations | 20% of ER flu cases result in hospitalization |
| Most Affected Regions | Eastern France |
| High-Risk group | Elderly (65+) |
| Vaccination Rate | 49.8% (65+), 22.7% (Under 65, at risk) |
|Vaccination Trend | Lower Than Previous Year |