France Faces a New Covid-19 Wave as Autumn Arrives
Autumn is typically a time for a renewed mix of respiratory illnesses, and France is experiencing a fresh uptick in Covid-19 activity. The Sentinelles network, which tracks acute respiratory infections in the country, reported an incidence rate of 49 cases per 100,000 inhabitants for the week of September 15–21. This marks a second consecutive week of increase and places the activity at a moderate level. Separately, the Relab surveillance network found that one in four Covid tests performed in city-based medical biology laboratories returned positive in the same period. Public Health France also noted a 37% rise in Covid-related hospitalizations during that week, underscoring that the virus remains a public health concern as the seasons change.
The XFG Variant: The "Frankenstein"
Experts say part of the rise is linked to the XFG variant, nicknamed the "Frankenstein" because it results from the hybridization of multiple viral strains. While the variant is highly transmissible, current assessments suggest it does not carry a higher virulence than recent Omicron descendants. In other words, it spreads more easily but does not seem to cause more severe disease on average than prior circulating strains.
Dr. Nathan Peiffer-Smadja, an infectious diseases specialist, emphasizes that Covid-19 has become a seasonal respiratory virus for many people, much like a cold or flu. The current strain also remains closely related to the vaccine strain, which offers a reasonable level of protection against severe disease. However, this does not erase the need for vigilance, particularly among vulnerable groups.
Who Is Most at Risk—and What It Means for Vaccination
Although many patients experience mild symptoms, certain populations remain especially vulnerable: immunocompromised individuals, transplant recipients, people undergoing chemotherapy, and the very elderly. For these groups, vaccination is still a critical line of defense. Public health officials note that the current vaccine should retain fairly good effectiveness against severe illness, but immunity wanes over time and protection is not guaranteed for everyone.
France plans a new vaccination campaign starting October 14 and running through January 31, 2026. Yet uptake has been a concern: last year, only about 30% of those eligible received the Covid vaccine. Health authorities stress the importance of getting vaccinated not only to reduce the risk of severe disease but also to help limit transmission as the autumn and winter seasons approach.
What Readers Can Do Now
Given that many infections go undetected—people with mild symptoms may not seek testing—individuals should stay attuned to respiratory symptoms and consider testing when appropriate, especially if they belong to high-risk groups. Regular vaccination remains the best long-term strategy to blunt severe outcomes and hospital strain. In addition, standard precautions such as hand hygiene, masking in crowded indoor spaces, and staying home when sick continue to be prudent during the seasonal shift.
Looking Ahead
September-October typically marks a transition toward more respiratory activity, and the latest data from Sentinelles and Relab align with that pattern. While the XFG "Frankenstein" variant contributes to rising cases, health authorities expect trends to become clearer in the coming weeks as the vaccination campaign unfolds and people respond to public health guidance. The key message remains: vaccination for eligible individuals, testing when symptoms arise, and maintaining preventive measures can help mitigate the impact of this autumn wave.
