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NATIONWIDE LEVELS ARE SHOWING A MARKED DECLINE BUT THE SOUTH-WEST IS STILL PARTICULARLY IMPACTED Flu levels have fallen across France for the second week in a row, however cases continue to

rise in 14 departments, the latest official statistics show. The weekly bulletin (February 12) from Santé publique France (SPF) reports a nationwide drop of 9% of flu cases across all age

groups, but highlights that activity remains elevated in some departments.  RISING FLU CASES IN 14 DEPARTMENTS The proportion of flu-related visits to A&E has fallen by over 15%

nationwide, while just 14 departments, which are mainly located in the south-west of the country, recorded an increase between the weeks of January 27- February 2 and February 3-9: * Creuse

(+62.78%) * Gers (+27.46%) * Deux-Sèvres (+22.06%) * Aveyron (+19.43%) * Somme (+15.37%) * Dordogne (+12.56%) * Vienne (+13.14%) * Gironde (+10.36%) * Lot-et-Garonne (+6.16%) * Charente

(+5.16%) * Haute-Marne (+4.88%) * Lozère (+3.81%) * Marne (+1.65%) * Orne (+1.24%) ELEVATED FLU LEVELS IN THE EAST OF FRANCE In Haute-Corse, Yonne, Lot-et-Garonne, Haut-Rhin and Jura, the

proportion of flu cases linked to A&E visits remains above 6%. These departments are mainly found in the east of the country.  FLU-RELATED HOSPITALISATIONS There are still a significant

proportion of serious flu cases. For example, in Mayenne, 75% of flu patients admitted to A&E are subsequently hospitalised, and this is the case for more than 50% of flu patients in

Gers. Read also: Flu: French health authorities extend vaccination campaign as cases soar Health authorities decided to extend the vaccination campaign from the end of January until February

28 as flu cases remain high, particularly among children. Vulnerable groups (such as those aged 65 and over, immunocompromised or pregnant) are encouraged to get vaccinated as soon as

possible to reduce the risk of infection. Sanitary measures should also be adopted to help limit the circulation of respiratory viruses. These include: washing hands, airing rooms, wearing a

mask when symptoms occur (fever, sore throat or cough) in crowded places and around vulnerable people. Find out more about the health situation in each region in SPF’s regional bulletins.

Read also: French health authority issues pneumococcal vaccine recommendation for over 65s Read also: Covid-19 tests are still reimbursed in France - but not for long