Is RSV going around in France?

RSV in France typically returns in autumn, rises through November and December, and peaks between January and February before fading in spring. Santé publique France follows RSV activity through its respiratory-infection surveillance, and bronchiolitis hospitalisation data is tracked in a dedicated weekly bulletin. Intensity varies from year to year depending on age-structured immunity and virus co-circulation.

The two groups at highest risk of severe RSV are young infants, especially those under six months, premature babies, and infants with heart or lung disease, and older adults, particularly those aged 75 and above or with chronic respiratory or cardiac conditions. In otherwise healthy adults and older children, RSV usually resembles a common cold and resolves without complications.

Yes. France has rolled out the long-acting monoclonal antibody nirsevimab for infants entering their first RSV season, with coverage monitored by Santé publique France and subsequent impact on paediatric hospitalisations already documented. RSV vaccination is also recommended by the Haute Autorité de Santé for pregnant women and for older adults in defined risk groups, with programmes progressively expanding.

Santé publique France combines several streams: sentinel virological testing via Réseau Sentinelles and GROG, OSCOUR emergency visits for bronchiolitis, SOS Médecins consultations, and SIVIC hospital admission data. Paediatric bronchiolitis has its own weekly bulletin because of its strong seasonal impact. Results also feed the ECDC ERVISS dashboard for European comparison.

RSV and influenza both cause respiratory infections and co-circulate during French winters, but their risk profiles differ. RSV is the leading cause of bronchiolitis in infants, while flu affects all age groups and is especially severe in older adults and people with chronic conditions. Symptoms overlap, and a reliable distinction usually requires laboratory testing through sentinel or hospital networks.