France Faces Deadliest Flu Epidemic in Over Five Years

The current influenza outbreak has caused a sharp rise in deaths and intense strain on hospitals, with vaccination rates lagging behind previous seasons.

611 flu-related deaths were reported in France during the second week of January 2025, the highest weekly toll in at least five years.
The epidemic has been classified as having 'marked severity,' with high levels of hospital activity across all age groups and particularly severe impacts on children under five.
Vaccination coverage is significantly lower than last year, with only 35.2% of the target population vaccinated, despite calls for increased uptake to protect vulnerable groups.
Three flu virus strains—A (H1N1), A (H3N2), and B/Victoria—are circulating, contributing to the epidemic's intensity across mainland France and several overseas territories.
87 hospitals have activated 'Plan Blanc,' a crisis protocol allowing for the reallocation of resources and personnel, as the healthcare system faces heightened pressure.