2025-2026 Flu Epidemic in France Less Severe Than Previous Season, Reports Health Agency
Public Health France reported that the 2025-2026 influenza epidemic was less severe than the previous season, characterized by a shorter duration and a single peak rather than multiple rebounds. Although community intensity was low to moderate, the impact on hospitals remained significant, with high mortality rates observed during the January peak. Estimated excess mortality from all causes reached 12,700 deaths, a notable decrease from the 17,900 recorded in the prior year. The epidemic was dominated by a single viral strain, contrasting with the multiple strains circulating previously. Vaccination rates among at-risk populations improved slightly to 49.6%, including 56.7% of those over 65, though these figures remain below public health objectives. Vaccine effectiveness was moderate at 30% for preventing symptoms. Concurrently, other winter epidemics such as bronchiolitis in infants and Covid-19 showed low intensity and minimal healthcare recourse. This assessment highlights a reduction in overall epidemic violence compared to the particularly severe previous winter, despite continued challenges in hospital capacity and mortality among vulnerable groups.
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2025-2026 Flu Epidemic in France Less Severe Than Previous Season, Reports Health Agency
Public Health France reported that the 2025-2026 influenza epidemic was less severe than the previous season, characterized by a shorter duration and a single peak rather than multiple rebounds. Although community intensity was low to moderate, the impact on hospitals remained significant, with high mortality rates observed during the January peak. Estimated excess mortality from all causes reached 12,700 deaths, a notable decrease from the 17,900 recorded in the prior year. The epidemic was dominated by a single viral strain, contrasting with the multiple strains circulating previously. Vaccination rates among at-risk populations improved slightly to 49.6%, including 56.7% of those over 65, though these figures remain below public health objectives. Vaccine effectiveness was moderate at 30% for preventing symptoms. Concurrently, other winter epidemics such as bronchiolitis in infants and Covid-19 showed low intensity and minimal healthcare recourse. This assessment highlights a reduction in overall epidemic violence compared to the particularly severe previous winter, despite continued challenges in hospital capacity and mortality among vulnerable groups.
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