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France’s Flu Wave Shows Tentative Peak as Hospitals Face Elevated Strain

Public health officials caution that a January resurgence remains possible based on current viral circulation.

Overview

  • Santé publique France reports sustained activity with elevated hospitalizations through the week ending January 4, noting a likely peak in late 2025.
  • The agency says a rebound this month cannot be ruled out, citing ongoing circulation and modeling with the Institut Pasteur.
  • The share of deaths with influenza on certificates rose to 6.3%, comparable to the same week last year, after a 2024–2025 season with more than 17,000 deaths.
  • Emergency services face added pressure from snow and ice accidents and a private physicians’ strike that is pushing more patients toward hospitals.
  • Vaccination coverage remains low—38% among at‑risk people and 44% for those 65 and older—with early effectiveness estimates in the 30% to 42.4% range, while bronchiolitis is easing in Île‑de‑France and La Ciotat’s hospital reports saturated services and about 70 ER visits per day.