France's health minister has recommended wearing face masks in closed places

The spread of the flu virus has intensified in France recently, with the number of cases rising. French Health Minister Neud advised people to wear masks in closed public places to reduce the risk of infection.

China News Service quoted French media reports as saying that Neud visited a Paris hospital on Friday (January 10), he pointed out in an interview that the current French flu situation is "serious", it is necessary to timely vaccination and personal protection measures, pay attention to frequent hand-washing, sneezing and coughing when covering the nose and mouth, social distancing and so on.

Neud revealed that the French health department is considering measures such as compulsory vaccination of health care workers and improved medical conditions for patients to gradually deal with the flu outbreak. He stressed that a full reinstatement of the mask ban was not under consideration, but advised people to wear masks in confined public places such as public transport and work meetings.

The French Public Health Agency reported on the same day that the number of hospital flu consultations had reached an "unusually high" level. To cope with the peak, 87 hospitals have launched emergency plans and reorganized medical resources, including postponing some operations and recalling staff on leave.

Ashraf, vice president of the Paris region of the French Medical Rescue Federation, pointed out that the awareness of epidemic prevention measures such as wearing masks, frequent hand washing, disinfection and ventilation has weakened in the current society, which has become an important factor in the spread of influenza.

It is understood that this flu epidemic has exceeded the peak of the same period last year, with three major strains circulating at the same time. In addition to the traditional high-risk population, transmission of the virus has begun to reach younger groups, including older children and adults under 50. The number of hospitalized cases increased significantly in all age groups.

French health authorities say vaccination remains one of the most effective ways to prevent severe flu. For the elderly aged 65 years and above, pregnant women, infants under six months and other vulnerable groups, the vaccination cost will be fully reimbursed; For minors in good health, the national health insurance will reimburse 65% of the cost of vaccination, and the remainder can be compensated by the insurance company.