Stomach flu, or acute gastroenteritis, which causes diarrhoea and vomiting, is a viral condition that is particularly common during winter.
The condition is caused by rotavirus and norovirus strains.
Typically, the number of cases spike in early January, however an official health report released on March 20 reveals a sharp rise in the number of GP and hospital visits in the past three weeks.
While the virus is present throughout the country, six regions in the north of France are particularly affected, recording more hospital visits, namely Brittany, Normandy, Ile-de France, Grand Est, Val de Loire, Pays de la Loire.
Children under 5 also are reported to be more affected by the condition, accounting for 11.3% of all GP visits, against 8.8% for people of all ages.
How to manage stomach flu
The condition is not dangerous for adults, but can be for infants.
Rotaviruses and noroviruses can be highly resistant, and all surfaces should be cleaned regularly.
Two vaccines have been shown to be highly effective against rotaviruses, which cause around half of stomach flu cases. However, vaccination is recommended only for young children and infants from 2 months of age.
If you start feeling ill with symptoms of diarrhoea, the health service advises rehydrating early with ORS hydration tablets.
