Despite the flu vaccination campaign, cases are increasing in , with health authorities putting the whole country on red alert. France is one of the countries most affected by the “super flu”, the consequences of which are also warned by the
According to forecasts by the Pasteur Institute and the French Public Health Service, the epidemic is expected to peak during the Christmas holidays and the beginning of the new year. And they warn that there could be pressure on the country’s hospitals.
“Influenza-related health care utilization is likely to increase significantly over the next two weeks,” these organizations warn. “The significant impact is expected on hospitals over the festive period.” And they estimate that the peak could occur at the beginning of the year.
Four week horizon
The Institut Pasteur and France’s Public Health Service published forecasts at national and regional level, with a four-week horizon and coverage of the likely peak period. Their aim is to provide a tool for predicting the course of the epidemic to help health authorities and health professionals.
In the week between December 8 and 14, various flu-related indicators continued to rise for all age groups, according to the public health service’s weekly report.
The two organizations predict “an increase in emergency room visits for flu-like symptoms over the next two weeks, followed by a decline” in the first two weeks of 2026. This, they estimate, will occur primarily because of the delayed effect of reduced transmission associated with school closures during the holidays.
The peak of the flu epidemic is currently expected in the Christmas and New Year weeks and the week after.
