In France, an average of 2.5 million people are affected annually, with 25 to 50% being children or young people under 15 (source: INSERM). The epidemic typically spreads from November to April, peaking around late December or early January, and lasts about nine weeks.
The flu is often mistakenly viewed as a mild condition.
In reality, it can cause severe complications in at-risk groups, such as the elderly, those with chronic conditions, pregnant women, and obese individuals.
Epidemic severity varies yearly. For instance, the 2019-2020 season saw 3,700 influenza-related deaths, while 2020-2021 had none in the northern hemisphere due to the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. The 2016-2017 season claimed 14,000 lives, with 90% of deaths in those over 65 (source: INSERM).
At-risk populations for complications include:
Incubation lasts 24-72 hours, followed by sudden symptoms: fever over 38°C, chills, body aches, extreme fatigue, cough, or breathing difficulties.
Symptoms often resolve in a week, though fatigue may linger for weeks.
Distinguish flu from flu-like illness:
Flu and COVID-19 symptoms can overlap.
Treatment is symptomatic: rest, hydration, analgesics.
Prefer paracetamol over anti-inflammatories; never exceed doses.
Antibiotics ineffective against viruses; reserve for bacterial superinfections (e.g., Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus) in respiratory tracts, which contribute to mortality.
For proven or at-risk superinfections (elderly, pulmonary/cardiovascular issues, immunosuppression), use targeted antibiotics—not for flu itself.
Antivirals like oseltamivir offer post-exposure prophylaxis within 48 hours for at-risk individuals, reducing infection risk. Not a vaccine substitute; rarely prescribed for low-risk symptomatic cases.
Preventive measures include handwashing, hand sanitizer, avoiding sick contacts, masking when ill, and ventilating spaces. Vaccination offers the best defense before flu season.
It protects you and vulnerable others from severe flu.
No vaccine is 100% effective; breakthrough cases are milder. It prevents severe forms most reliably, with antibodies forming after two weeks.
Annual vaccination is essential due to evolving strains. Vaccine composition is set 9-12 months ahead based on global data.
No homeopathic alternative exists; Influenzinum is too dilute. France's High Council of Public Health warns against it as a missed opportunity, especially for at-risk groups.
Priority goes to recommended groups during campaigns. Flu and COVID-19 boosters can coincide: same-day (different arms) or spaced ≥15 days (not mandatory). COVID boosters require ≥6 months post-last dose; Janssen recipients need RNA booster ≥4 weeks later.
Recommended from six months old, prioritizing at-risk individuals and contacts (source: ameli.fr).
Higher coverage curbs epidemics. All can benefit to avoid disruption; pharmacies prioritize vulnerable buyers.
Annual update counters mutations (source: ameli.fr). Intramuscular doses:
*Primary: 2 doses 1 month apart; then annual boosters.
Administered by doctors, midwives, nurses, pharmacists.
Hypersensitivity to components (eggs, neomycin, formaldehyde, octoxinol 9). Postpone if febrile or acutely ill.
French vaccines lack aluminum adjuvant.
