Flu Epidemic Intensifies Across France with High Hospital Impact and Rising Deaths

The flu epidemic in France has intensified sharply as 2025 comes to a close, with Santé publique France reporting high hospital activity and an increase in flu-related deaths. During the week ending December 28, flu cases surged nationwide except in La Réunion, with over 18,500 emergency visits related to the flu, representing 5.2% of all emergency visits—a rise from 4% the previous week. Hospitalizations due to Influenza A also climbed, with 3,606 admissions, or 4.8% of all hospitalizations, marking a notable increase from 3.4% the prior week.

Children under 15 experienced a slight decrease in flu cases, likely due to school holidays reducing exposure, but seniors aged 65 and above bore the heaviest hospital burden and mortality. Deaths mentioning flu rose to 4.1% of total deaths from 2.7% the week before, predominantly affecting this older age group. Vaccination coverage among seniors improved to 44.2% as of November 30, up from 40.5% last year.

The Institut Pasteur's recent modeling suggests the epidemic peak may have occurred in the last week of 2025, though a possible resurgence after the Christmas holidays remains plausible. The flu season started a week earlier than in 2024, aligning with similar early onsets seen in countries like the United Kingdom and Germany.

In addition to the flu, bronchiolitis continues to circulate in France, recently reaching Corsica, but hospitalizations related to this condition have stabilized.

Experts and public health authorities urge vigilance, noting that while community-level flu activity is moderate overall, vulnerable populations remain at high risk. The substantial flu burden on health services underscores the importance of vaccination and preventive measures as winter progresses.