Flu Intensifies Across France: Hospitals Brace for a Challenging Holiday Season

France faces a surge in flu cases as the epidemic intensifies nationwide, putting pressure on hospitals amid the holiday period. Children are particularly affected, and experts warn of a sharp peak expected in early January 2026.

The flu epidemic continues to spread rapidly across France, with health authorities warning that the country is now approaching the peak of the annual influenza wave. According to Santé publique France, all regions of mainland France are affected, and activity has reached “moderate to high” levels across both general practices and hospitals.

Recent modelling from the Institut Pasteur suggests there is a 72.5% likelihood that the flu peak will occur in the last week of December 2025, and a 22.5% chance it will arrive in early January 2026. This means that the healthcare system could face its greatest strain precisely during the festive holidays, when many medical staff are on leave.

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Hospitals Under Pressure During the Holidays

Hospitals across France are bracing for an influx of patients as flu, bronchiolitis, and COVID-19 circulate simultaneously. The Institut Pasteur has sounded the alarm, warning that the flu’s impact “will likely intensify sharply this week,” especially in regions already facing hospital overcrowding.

In the Bouches-du-Rhône, local authorities have requisitioned 17 general practitioners between 25 December and 4 January to ensure primary care continuity during the holiday period. The region has seen over 2,000 emergency room visits related to flu symptoms, resulting in around 450 hospitalisations in just one week — figures notably higher than those recorded in the past two winter seasons.

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Why Children Are Among the Hardest Hit

Paediatric wards are particularly under strain this winter. Health agencies report that children under 15 represent a significant portion of new flu cases. The 2024–2025 season already saw unusually high mortality, with over 17,000 flu-related deaths across all ages, highlighting the vulnerability of young populations and the elderly alike.

The dominant strain this year is Influenza A (H3N2), specifically a variant known as K, which first emerged in Australia earlier in 2025. Preliminary data suggests that while the vaccine remains effective against severe illness, it may offer reduced protection against infection with this new variant.

Experts stress that vaccination still plays a crucial role in limiting hospital admissions and recommend that children, seniors, and individuals with underlying health conditions get vaccinated as soon as possible if they haven’t already.

Bronchiolitis and COVID: A Triple Threat

Adding to the pressure, France continues to face simultaneous outbreaks of bronchiolitis and COVID-19. The bronchiolitis epidemic, which primarily affects infants, appears to be reaching its peak or starting to stabilise, according to Santé publique France. Emergency visits for bronchiolitis have begun to decline slightly, offering a modest reprieve for overburdened paediatric departments.

However, the combination of these three respiratory viruses poses a significant challenge for hospitals trying to manage patient flow during one of the busiest times of the year.

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How to Protect Yourself and Your Family

Health professionals urge the public to take extra precautions to limit virus transmission. Some recommended measures include:

Get vaccinated against the flu (and COVID-19 booster if eligible).
Wash your hands frequently or use hand sanitiser.
Wear masks in crowded indoor environments, especially around vulnerable individuals.
Stay home when sick to avoid spreading infections.
Ventilate indoor spaces regularly to reduce indoor viral load.

Experts emphasise that even small protective habits can make a major difference in curbing hospitalisations and keeping healthcare services functional over the festive season.

A Winter Season to Watch Closely

As 2025 draws to a close, the French healthcare system is under considerable strain. With flu cases climbing, hospitals nearing capacity, and children particularly at risk, the coming weeks will be crucial. Authorities expect the epidemic to begin waning by mid-January 2026, but until then, vigilance remains essential.