Like its neighbours in the Alpes-Maritimes, Monaco is suffering from a major  spread of winter illnesses...

Since the beginning of January, typical symptoms –  coughing, masks, spitting – have been multiplying, reflecting a flu epidemic  marked by the predominance of the H1N1 virus. This year, children are  particularly affected.  

We are already into the fourth week of the flu epidemic, and professionals  are saying that the peak has not yet passed. At the start of 2025, pharmacies are  being stormed to treat flu symptoms, as well as Covid and gasto-enteritis.  However, you can be reassured that the Covid epidemic is much smaller than in  previous years. It’s still important to remember to take precautions and apply  barrier measures.  

A changing epidemic profile  

Every winter, flu affects a large proportion of the population, with the elderly  traditionally the most at risk.  

This year, however, there has been an increase in the number of cases among  young people under the age of 15. This trend can be explained by the fact that  their immune systems are still developing, making them more vulnerable to new  virus strains. The fact that they spend a lot of time in communal areas such as  schools, where viruses can be transmitted rapidly, is not helping either. Moreover,  the B/Victoria virus, which particularly targets children, represents a challenge, as  they have never before been exposed to similar viruses. 

Reminders to take precautions  

Despite these warnings, some simple gestures are neglected. As well as  washing your hands, it’s important not to touch your face, to limit physical contact  and to air enclosed spaces regularly. These habits, which are sometimes forgotten,  are essential to curbing the spread of seasonal viruses.  

As a reminder, vaccination is open to everyone, with or without a prescription, in  Monegasque pharmacies. 

These simple gestures can protect you and others at greater risk.  The Monegasque government pays particular attention to the health of the elderly,  sending an individual letter to each person over the age of 65.