A surprising disappearance, but not really disturbing.
It was feared that the seasonal flu would worsen the health situation of the country, weighed down for a year by the Covid-19.
Week after week, epidemiological analyzes show in fact its almost total absence on French soil.
During the first week of February, emergency visits for flu were in free fall compared to last year (-97%).
There were 7 per 10,000 against 268.7 last year, and 387.4 two years ago.
Evolution of the LP flu epidemic / Infographic
In December, a study published by the British journal The Lancet revealed that the Covid-19 had killed three times more people in the hospital than the seasonal flu.
The assimilation of barrier gestures and hygiene rules seem to have played a crucial role.
"There is a consensus to say that the barrier gestures, the hydroalcoholic gel, were useful", already advanced in November Serge Smadja, secretary general of SOS Médecins.
Another explanation is the probable “viral interference phenomena” which would prevent or severely limit the concomitant circulation of SARS-CoV-2 and seasonal respiratory viruses, such as influenza.
Less significant decline for gastroenteritis
For its part, the epidemic of gastroenteritis does not play absent subscribers.
But it still circulates at levels well below the standards.
From February 1 to 7, emergency room arrivals for this reason were down 53% from last year.
Evolution of the LP gastroenteritis epidemic / Infographic
This significant decline can also be observed in the interventions of SOS Médecins with 16% fewer medical acts compared to early February 2020.