Wearing masks, washing hands, and ventilating rooms: this winter, let’s make sure we’re back in the habit of following these preventive measures
Santé publique France, in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and the National Health Insurance Fund, is highlighting the importance of adopting preventive measures to limit winter outbreaks in a new prevention campaign launched on October 25, 2025.
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Every winter, acute respiratory infections (ARIs) such as influenza, bronchiolitis, and COVID-19 cause outbreaks with significant health consequences. The winter of 2024–2025 was marked by a flu outbreak that began relatively early and lasted longer than average. Due to its significant scale and severity, it had a major impact on the healthcare system, both in urban areas and in hospitals, and was the cause of numerous deaths among people over 65.
Adherence to preventive measures declined in 2024
Preventive measures, in addition to preventive treatments (vaccination and monoclonal antibodies), are essential for limiting the spread of viruses and thus protecting oneself and others.
However, according to the CoviPrev study conducted in 2024, preventive measures are being followed less and less:
63% of participants reported adhering to preventive measures less than they did at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic;
mask-wearing is particularly neglected, with only 13% of respondents reporting that they consistently wear a mask when experiencing symptoms, in the presence of vulnerable individuals, or in crowded places, and 43% reporting that they never wear one regardless of the situation;
7% reported never washing their hands in these same high-risk situations.
Furthermore, preventive measures are still strongly associated with Covid-19: adherence to these measures is in fact driven solely by the fear of a resurgence of the Covid-19 pandemic. Less than a third of those surveyed mentioned the intention to maintain preventive measures in the event of a flu outbreak or another winter illness.
A new campaign to keep protective measures in mind
For these reasons, Santé publique France, alongside the Ministry of Health and the National Health Insurance Fund, has been running a campaign since October 25 to encourage the adoption of three of the main preventive measures recommended by the HCSP (2023 advisory):
Wear a mask at the first sign of symptoms (cough, fever, runny nose).
Wash your hands often and thoroughly.
Ventilate rooms regularly.
Initially targeting the general public through three TV spots, three radio spots, and digital displays (in train stations, subways, hospitals, clinics, and health centers) until the end of the year, this campaign will continue through February 2026, focusing on populations most at risk of severe illness: people aged 65 and older, pregnant women, infants, and people with underlying health conditions. It will be expanded to include more educational and specific messages (details on how to wear a mask, guidance on using hand sanitizer when soap is unavailable, etc.). These educational messages will be shared on social media and through media partnerships.
2025–2026 Fall Vaccination Campaign: Protecting the Most Vulnerable Populations Against COVID-19 and the Flu
The vaccination campaign against COVID-19 and the flu began on October 14, 2025, and will continue through January 31, 2026. It primarily targets:
people aged 65 and older;
people with weakened immune systems;
pregnant women;
people with chronic illnesses;
residents of long-term care facilities and healthcare professionals.
This year, it is recommended that people aged 65 and older be vaccinated, preferably with the Efluelda (high-dose vaccine) and Fluad (adjuvanted vaccine). Standard-dose vaccines may also be used in this population.
Santé publique France reminds the public that vaccination helps reduce the risk of severe illness and hospitalization, especially among the most vulnerable populations.
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