Adrian Leeds Nouvellettre®
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SOS
The new year threw me a curve ball. I started this Nouvellettre® more than a week ago before all hell broke loose. The bottom line of the following story is that I am grateful to the French medical system for being alive now…and telling this tale, for a host of reasons. Most importantly, never once having to think about cost, insurance, or any of the things that might be stressful in such a situation. It was never a question by anyone and I had complete and full care without any question. As long as I had my Carte Vitale, I was good to go. And even if I didn’t, I would never have been turned away.
Now, read on if you like…
Shortly after the new year, I fell ill with an influenza virus. No, I hadn’t been vaccinated for it, but I’ve been told by my doctor that this year the vaccinations haven’t been as effective as they’d hoped and my assistant, Diane, came down sick the same day, and she had been vaccinated. She recovered relatively quickly, within a few days.
By Sunday, without the ability to leave the bed, I sought out medical attention. My own doctor who does online video consultations wasn’t available until Tuesday. Instead I opted for an in person appointment with France’s amazing medical system that allows a doctor to either come to your home or do a video call appointment for a very minimal cost. It’s called SOS Médecins.
SOS is in most major cities and regions of France, but when you think about living in France and want to avoid being in a medical dessert, you might want to review this map to ensure your coverage.
An online video appointment cost a “whopping” 30€ and this one in person was under 60€. It’s covered by French social security. The doctor came on Monday morning like clockwork, took a special test to determine what I had and as suspected, it was not Covid, but Flu A. That was pretty cool and it helped her to prescribe a regiment of drugs that would relieve some of the symptoms.
Influenza is a contagious respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses, distinct from flu-like syndromes caused by other viruses like rhinovirus or respiratory syntactical virus. In temperate climates like France, flu epidemics occur annually between November and April, often starting in late December or early January, lasting about 10–11 weeks.
Influenza types A and B drive seasonal epidemics. Type A can cause pandemics due to genetic shifts creating new, unprotected strains. Spread occurs through respiratory droplets or contact with contaminated objects. The virus survives for minutes to days on surfaces. So, it’s very contagious. Symptoms typically appear 1–3 days after infection, but individuals can be contagious even before the symptoms appear.
The Influenza and COVID-19 Vaccination Campaign in France began October 15th. I received a notice to go to any pharmacy to get the vaccine, but ended up too busy and traveling too much to take advantage of it. That was obviously not a good idea, because the vaccination targets individuals aged 65 and older (me), people under 65 with chronic conditions (including children aged 6 months and up), pregnant women, those with obesity, and residents of care or nursing homes, regardless of age.
Now more than one week later, and still feeling the effects, I can tell you that I wish I had paid more attention to the vaccination. This one really knocked me for a loop, rendering me virtually unable to leave my bed for more than a week. In the meantime I consulted with my own doctor and again with SOS. My entire body ached. I was very weak. I had no appetite and couldn’t hold down much. The cough was never-ending and wouldn’t allow a bit of peaceful sleep. I felt as if I was losing my mind.
The agenda was filled. I had a chock-a-block schedule filled with client consultations, dinners with friends I hadn’t seen in a long time and tickets to several art exhibitions. Everything had to be cancelled or moved, which is quite a bit of work for my staff, but more than that, missing it all was not what I had in mind for the three weeks I had in Paris before heading down to Nice. I was really hoping to take advantage of all the city had to offer at this time of year. No go.
At the same time, the L.A. fires were raging and I was trying to keep up with all of my family and friends affected by them. Watching the devastation on TV made the illness seem like nothing by comparison. At least I was not being evacuated from my home, nor watching it burn down to the ground. My heart goes out to everyone there who is dealing with that—a much more serious experience. Meanwhile I felt like I was dying.
Early Saturday morning, my generalist suggested strongly to call 15 SAMU, the medical emergency number. Without question, I was told they would send an ambulance in about 45 minutes, and to pack a few things. Fortunately, I’m always pretty prepared to travel at the drop of a hat and threw into a rolling bag a change of pajamas, clothing to go home in and toiletries along with electronic essentials…computer, etc. (Take note for when this happens to you: the one thing I thought about, but didn’t throw in, and wish I had, was an eyemask! This is not something the hospitals provide to their “guests.”) The rolling bag was a bit of a joke as the kind gentlemen asked me if I was “en vacances,” but it was the smartest thing to do. I was prepared for anything.
They took me to the closest hospital, Hôpital Lariboisière, located in the 10th arrondissement just west of the Gare du Nord. I’d never even heard of it nor seen it before. The hospital was built between 1846 and 1853, designed by architect Pierre Gauthier, with six buildings arranged around a central courtyard and connected by colonnaded walkways. Its construction followed the second cholera pandemic, which struck Paris in 1832 and highlighted the need for improved hospital hygiene. The site also features a funeral monument by Carlo Marochetti honoring Élisa de Lariboisière, whose significant financial contribution made the hospital’s construction possible. It serves as a teaching facility for Université Paris Cité.
The Hôpital Lariboisière
There was no waiting in the emergency room. Immediately they started testing, prodding, poking, asking questions, etc. X-rays were taken. You name it, I was getting it. By the end of the afternoon they wheeled me into a room in ICU, completely connected to a variety of tubes to administer drugs, oxygen and hydration. ICU was in the lower basement and upon entry I joked about “la belle vue”—a concrete wall with holes, but that was no care of mine. I felt very lucky to be alive and in their care.
One of the orderlies who was very kind told me there were about 15 other patients like me there. I have no idea if that was true or not, but flu cases have been surging across Europe following the holiday season, with children under 15 and adults over 60 being the hardest hit. Hospitals in France and Spain are reporting a sharp rise in admissions, with influenza B as the dominant strain. To cope with the influx, many hospitals have established temporary units to ease the pressure on emergency departments. Elderly patients, in particular, face a heightened risk of severe respiratory complications. Dr. Jean-Luc Leymarie, a French general practitioner, remarked, “This is the most significant epidemic I’ve seen in years.”
During the course of the treatment, I was moved first to a higher level of ICU, meaning less intensive, but only on the other side of the aisle, and then by Tuesday they transported me and all of my “vacation” belongings out of ICU to a private room above ground with a slightly more interesting view…construction on the building next door watching the workers daily. This took on a new level of living and life started to look possible again. Two major highlights were the ability to have normal bodily functions (I will not elaborate) and have a kind Asian woman put me under a warm shower, scrub my body and wash my hair. I must have thanked her 100 times to have been rejuvenated that way…this after just having spent several days at a spa in Djerba! (Funny turn of events, I kept thinking.) And that day was the turning point to health and freedom.
It is highly possible that as you read this, I will have been released from the hospital. This would not have been without “ré-eduation” of my lungs for deeper breathing, ability to walk and gain strength. They were not tossing me out the door until fully ready to meet the world again.
I really have no comparisons to make with healthcare elsewhere, particularly in the U.S. as I have no experience with it, but going back to the beginning of this missive, the fact that the expense of it all was never a question made the biggest impression on me. They just did what they had to do to get me well again. Period. No one worried about how many days I might need to be there, or how much staff it took to make it right. The staff were all pleasant, not effusive, but not indifferent, either. They came in all shapes, sizes and colors, mostly under 50, with a large proportion of women. As a teaching hospital, I happily allowed the students to come in, ask questions and observe. They were particularly adorable and I was happy to oblige them.
The food was what one might expect in a hospital in France—each day/meal I was served a different plate consisting of a protein, vegetables and starch, with fresh fruit, yogurts, fruit compotes, bread. It was no gourmet delight, but it was by no means objectionable. Each day my appetite grew better and I could feel the strength rising.
My level of French at this stage made it manageable. Those who could speak English happily assisted and those who could not did not mind repeating their questions or something I hadn’t understood. I learned some new terms while speaking French all week long and ameliorating my level.
Unable to think beyond typing or dictating a text message or two until now when I write this, for hours on end contemplated my life. It was a kind of meditation. The dreams, nightmares and hallucinations were a fascinating part of the experience. All I wanted to do was sleep, and stay alive. The hospital and staff made that happen.
And to all of you, family, friends and clients, know that your outpouring of support and well wishes did not go unnoticed. Thank you all. I am truly blessed.
A la prochaine…
Adrian Leeds
The Adrian Leeds Group®
P.S. During my time in the hospital, good news came in that the Arte segment I filmed with friends last June finally aired: “Cajun Crawfish Voyage.” You can watch it on Arte these ways:
• Arte
• YouTube
• And if not within France or with a VPN, you can view it on my Vimeo channel
Note: Arte (Association Relative à la Télévision Européenne, or Association for European Television) is a European public service channel focused on culture. It operates through three entities: the European Economic Interest Grouping (EEIG) ARTE, based in Strasbourg, and two member companies that serve as editorial and production hubs—ARTE France in Paris (formerly La Sept) and ARTE Deutschland in Baden-Baden, a subsidiary of Germany’s public broadcasters ARD and ZDF.
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Hi Adrian, I just read your “SOS” article. Hope you have been released from the hospital & are feeling better. Get well soon!
Please get well soon! I would miss your posts if you couldn’t write them. Be healthy!
Adrian-
Speedy recovery. Hope you are tap dancing again soon. Feel better.
Flu, Covid and RSV vaccinations are a must.
Bonjour Adrian.
I am glad you are well now. Isn’t getting older fun??!!
Thank you for sharing your experience and journey. We are in Nice now exploring our options after visiting Ceret, Perpignan, Marseille, and Toulon. Our retired lifestyle fits in well here. The Meetup group meets at the Distilleries Ideale, 24 rue de la Prefecture, Nice on Sunday morning. Now led by Pierre Bondil, who graciously welcomed us. We had a great time meeting others, enjoying lunch with several members, and walking to the Castle- wow, what a view of Nice and Mont Boron! Hopefully, we will connect when we return with our VLS-TS in September.
Merci.
Dean et Cindy
Dear Adrian
A story, thank God, with a great outcome as you are well and recieved excellent care. A lot to be grateful. Blessings.
Wishing you well for the new year.
Kind Regards,
Richard
Adrian,
We are SO relieved and happy that you are on the mend, but so sorry for all you have endured! How terrifying!!
We offer our gratitude to the superb French healthcare system and all who are a part of it. Thank you for thoughtfully sharing your experience. Please take good care of you and allow your body and mind to fully recover and feel refreshed. We are sending you our very best!
…And we look forward to working with you very soon!
To your good health and strength…
Carolyn and Dan
Wishing you all the best, Adrian. I live here in the U. S. and I’ve often told one of my sons I’d gladly pay 5% more in taxes for a healthcare system like France.
Love reading your Nouvellelettres!
Glad you are feeling well enough to write this week. Hope you are getting stronger each day!
Although I don’t plan on moving to France, I do plan on spending a month there in the Spring.
Oh, Adrian ….
Just so glad you are safe and well … again!
I had my COVID AND flu shots here last fall and still ended up with a bout of the flu (I think) but much less virulent.
Anyway … stay safe and see you, hopefully in Nice at the end of March
So happy you’re feeling better & had a good experience under french care . I had the vaccine & had the flu as well , it’s a bear . It’s running rampant in the USA.
Prayers for regained strength & continued travels !!
My husband and I both had Influenza A last Spring. Our care here in Philadelphia, with one of the best healthcare systems in the country, didn’t come close to what you’ve described. We had to fight for every appointment, every medication. Influenza A is nothing to mess around with – you can die from it. It took us a month to become fully functional again. Happy healing, Adrian.
So happy you made it out. What a rollercoaster
Glad you
Have recovered and thank you for the tutorial on the French healthcare system.
Good morning,
You have indeed been very ill. Your description of your disease is very accurate.
I am very sorry that you had to suffer through this but delighted that you are on the road to recovery.
I have shared your message with my husband. We will be in France in March looking for a house.
I couldn’t help comparing the American “healthcare system “ with yours in France. You received high quality care with the goal of getting you well. The cost and profit margins were not an issue.
I am a retired nurse/nurse midwife. I trained in UK then did more training in the USA.. I despair at the downward spiral of care here and the intense focus on profit.
I hope that you continue to get stronger and enjoy life. Thank you for sharing your experience.
I am so sorry to hear what you’ve been through, glad you’re on the mend and wish you the best. I’ve followed you since the early days of your nouvellettre and given that we are the same age, love France (58th trip coming up in May) and loathe Donald Trump, have felt that we’ve been friends for many a year. Take care (and yes, I got a flu shot in October!) Kristen Metzger
Your recovery and care was well documented as all your transcripts are. In the Saturday Telegraph there was an article conveying a similar experience to yours in the same hospital. Thank you for writing this. The French healthcare is exemplary. I am a 78 year old American who has had 2 operations in France. I am a former nurse and have the highest regard for the health care there. After this novelette I will get my flu shot. Thank you. Have a full recovery ❤️🩹
Well, My Goodness! I had no idea you were indisposed! I’m so thankful, as you are, that you got such good care and are on the mend. And I’m particularly appreciative of your description of the excellence of the health care system there. I had no idea! And if my hope of spending more time there (and maybe relocating) ever succeeds, I’ll consult your map of medical deserts – and definitely talk with you. I have always enjoyed your shows, and now I’m so happy to get your newsletter. THANK YOU! Take good care of yourself!
Kathleen, Kansas City MO
Hi Adrian, I’m so sorry to hear about how sick you’ve been, and am wishing you a safe and comfortable recovery. Thank you for sharing your experience. I’ve been following you for many years.
Love Wanda
I am glad you are on the mend! about 10 years ago I broke my leg on one of my last days of our vacation in France. That was the hospital that they took me to, and I had excellent care. I had broken my tibia and needed major surgery as the had to insert a plate in my leg. I spent two nights there. It cost “full price” as the person in the bursar’s office told my sister’s apologetically. It was $5,000. I am sure if this had to me in the US it would have cost 10x that and my out of pocket would have been at least that much.
I’m so happy you are better!
So glad you are on the other side of this illness🩵🩷💙. Thank you for sharing your story. It is very reassuring to hear first hand, about the medical in France. Be well, take good care of you!
First of all I hope you have improved enough to be discharged. As a physician Thank you for this posting! Arguably this may be one of your best. First, Influenza is an awful condition which you describe well, so EVERYONE should get a yearly vaccine. Second, THE US healthcare system has many issues which many Americans don’t appreciate so thanks for the comparison. I am fairly familiar with medical practice in Western Europe and it is excellent! I hope you continue to have an uneventful recovery.
So glad you are recovering, continued recuperation.
So glad youre ok!!! Heal well.
Hi, Adrian – What a terrifying experience and I’m so glad you are feeling again! Take good care of yourself! Best wishes for a healthy spring!
Adrian, you are one lucky lady and we are so glad you are recovering. We will be sure to get our shots when we get our future Carte Vitale. Have a healthy and prosperous new year.
Diane & Mike S.
Dear Adrian,
I read with sadness your ordeal with that serious flu. I’m so glad you were back in France for the care that they gave you. You would not have gotten such complete care here as I’ve been sent home from hospital when I I clearly needed to stay longer than insurance provides! I’m so glad you are now on the mend.
For those of us here in the US, today is a tragic day with trump being inaugurated. I refuse to watch this nightmare and can’t wait until we are ready to move to France. Sleeping was difficult last night and today I’ll be keeping the news off. We are all so stressed from this as well as the very sad fires in CA where my fiancé and I both used to live (in AZ now).
Take care in your recovery and thank you for taking the time to update us on your status. Merci et au revoir.
Kathleen V.
Mon Dieu! Get well very soon, Adrian. I’m glad you were able to use the experience to inform us about how great the healthcare is in France. I’m wishing you and your family all the best in the New Year and praying that you recover completely and never have such an intense flu or illness again! It’s good that you spoke French all week, too.
Glad you are better. You are helping people you don’t even know, like myself, with your openness and professionalism.
God bless you.
Mageed.
Happy to hear you are on the mend, Adrian! Besides Covid; flu, VRS and other respiratory viral infections can quickly turn into a life-threatening pneumonia! As soon as you receive next year’s vaccination notice from the Secu, put the date on your busy calendar.
Additionally, I choose to wear my mask in the metro/bus, supermarkets and indoor crowds for added protection during winter. I had pneumonia once that left me weak and coughing for several months, so yes, I am terrified of getting it again.
Bon rétablissement,
Cherry C.
I have watched you on HGTV for a long time, and admired your advice and stamina. So happy to hear you are getting better. In the US, no matter how well placed you are, no one would get the amazing care you have gotten in France. Please get your Covid shot and RSV shot and any other shots that may be necessary such as measles and the MMR vaccination. Have a great spring!
So happy to hear that you are on the mend! What an ordeal from the nasty flu! Wishing you a full recovery ❤️
Merci Adrian. À votre santé tous les jours.
*Former renter here. I’m so glad your harrowing events have a happy ending. So lucky you were in France. Even if you had gotten similar treatment in the US, your bill at the end of it would have no doubt been over $75K and your Medicare MIGHT have covered most, but you’d still be on the hook for quite a bit of it. That long a stay in ICU/hospital room costs as much here as a new luxury car and maybe more. Not including physicians’ bills. An ambulance ride where I am costs $6k. Luckily you got care in the best medical delivery system in the world, rather than the worst.
Thank you for sharing your story. Best wishes for total recovery and a healthy year ahead.
Adrian:
We are brand new clients & so glad you’ve recovered! You gave such a great description of the effects of severe flu/many people think it’s just a ‘bad cold’. (Thank you!)
Also loved your account of your ER & hospital experience. As retired RNs, it is great to hear about a working healthcare system.
You’ve done a great service in pointing out the value of vaccines. So critically important to international travelers ! Although they can’t protect against rapidly mutating strains- they are the best defense we have. A wise ID physician colleague likened them to seat belts; they don’t protect against all types of MVA but statistically wearers are less likely to suffer severe injury or death.
To your continued good health!
Adrian…..so glad to hear you are still here with us!!!You are always on the go, which is great, but age catches up with all, I can testify to that. Please take care and keep the work load under check.
Hugs,
Norman
I wish you health and healing for this New Year. Your tips, newsletters and episodes on House Hunters are such a bright spot in my life.
God bless you!
PS … love your fashions! You are a stylish role model!
Thank God you received such incredible care and are recovering. I hope you recover completely and soon. I wiah you many years with your family especially your grandchild.
I wish we could have the same standard of care in the U.S.
Bonne santé!
Adrian, I’m so sorry you had to go through this ordeal. I’m offering my prayers and good wishes for your swift and total healing. I hope you will be well enough for your trip to see your new grandson.
So glad you are on the mend! What a profound yet practical observation of the French healthcare system.
Glad you are again alive and kicking, Adrian! This was a super interesting and informative post.
Adrian, so glad to know you received good care and that you’re recovering. French health care is one of the big reasons I’m happy to be living here. Four years ago, when I was having a lot of asthma problems, my doctor recommended a stay at a ‘clinique du souffle’, in Auvergne. I spent 4 weeks there, in a private room, with all treatments, tests, and exercise programs, 3 meals a day — and I paid almost nothing. This is why I never complain about taxes here!
Wow! Praying for you to have a successful
recovery from this awful infection! Thanks for sharing! You make me very glad I am fully vaccinated! Best wishes for improved health!
Dear Adrian, what a harrowing experience! My husband and I are so relieved that you’re on the mend, and we loved reading about the terrific care you received.
We spoke with you via Zoom a few years ago, which was great fun, before we purchased a place in France. And just a couple of months ago, we had a great chat with Patty about starting the search for a rental apartment in Paris.
Thanks for everything you do, and happy 2025 to you and yours.
Chaleureusement,
Robin
Just – wow. Recover well!
Thank you for sharing your experience. Please take the time to rest and recover fully.
Adrian,
Sorry to read this!
Take good care of yourself!
A fan.
So glad you are recovering and had wonderful care. Flu has hit the Pacific Northwest USA very hard also.
Adrienne, Welcome back to good health! BTW, being a Louisiana native, have you ever heard of Justin Wilson? He has a few cookbooks and videos out. As he demonstrated some of his live culinary creations, he would tell jokes / stories in his cajun style.
So very glad that you are on the mend. What a frightening experience. And to have all that complicated by worrying about your family and the fires.
Hope they are safe and God willing, all their homes are okay as well. Tragic
What an amazing description of France’s medical system. If only I could get my husband to move!
Dear Adrian,
I’m glad to read that you’re feeling much better! (And, of course the hospital is beautiful.) Take it easy during your return to work, because you are a VIP… especially to your family, friends, and all of us who are your fans (aka clients)! 😷
Dear Adrian,
Wishing you a complete recovery. May other countries (esp the US!) learn from the French example of healthcare delivery.
Best,
Laurie McL
Montreal
GLAD YOU ARE WELL!
Hope you are feeling well. And hopefully a little sun comes through the clouds in Paris.
Oh, my gosh! I’m wishing you a speedy recovery, Adrian.
Dear Adrian,
Sorry 2025 started off the way it did but glad your experience with the French health system, SOS had healthy results.
By coincidence my husband came down with Influenza A the same week. He had the flu vaccine & experienced the same symptoms as you did. He had me to take care of him back to health. Glad you are both on the mend.
We really enjoy seeing you House Hunters International & I love really about your life in France. It reminds me of having a pen pal as a child. Hope this year is filled with good health & happiness & great adventures.
Best
wow Adrian! I am so sorry you had to go through such a painful and scary experience. So glad you are on the other side of it now!! Thank you for sharing!
Hello Adrian! Or should I say Bonjour? I am so sorry to hear of your illness and need I say lesson learned. I am a healthcare professional. I have never refused a vaccination. Even though it is so difficult to predict what strains of flu or other viruses will be around. I still think it prudent to receive the vaccination. As you said, your friend recovered relatively quickly. It can still help to shorten the life of the virus. With that being said, I also partake in homeopathic remedies. One being made by a French company, Boiron, and they make Oscillococcinum, which is a concoction that minimizes the flu symptoms. I always have it with me. In fact, I am in Turkey right now and I have it. You should also have on hand power fit, antivirals being a concoction of oregano, oil, olive, leaf extract, etc. Never mind American Express. I never leave home without it. Also I have followed you on House Hunters International and you are my absolute favorite hostess. I have been considering a move to France pending what happens with my Iranian fiancé. Also the current state under the orange plague if you know what I mean, I do not use that person‘s name has me totally disgusted at how stupid the American public has become. If I do make the move, I will definitely be reaching out to you. I hope you are feeling much better and feel as good as new before you know it! Thanks for all the guidance you provide. I always enjoy watching your videos.
Dear Adrian,
I am so glad that you’re starting to feel better. and grateful that you’re in a healthcare system that puts the health of their patients first. I hope that you are soon home and on the mend.
I am so looking forward to being there in April. Hopefully, we can meet and find my place to start my journey in France with the security blanket of the wonderful Healthcare System you are blessed with!
Aloha Adrian!
Happy New Year! I’m so happy that you’re feeling better.
Much love,
Lisa Marie P.
So glad you are ok and thanks for sharing just how different the French medical system is. Compare to what we deal with in the US, it seems really so much less stressful and a much better system.
Hoping to make France a part time home soon.
Regards
DiAnn
I have experienced the healthcare in France, Spain and Ireland. Ireland comes out way behind in Third place, and France comes out way ahead in First place. The Spanish system is also quite good and inexpensive, even with private health insurance. I also worked in healthcare in the U.S. and am grateful that I don’t live there as an older person. Being ill is stressful enough, without worrying about constant bills, and denials from insurance companies. I get my flu vaccine every year since I had a bad case of influenza in my twenties which caused me to wish that I would die!
I am so glad you are recovering and continue to get stronger.
So glad you are better. Three cheers for French healthcare!
Dear Adrian,
Sorry to hear you were so ill. I have a hard time picturing you not brimming with energy and vitality.
I’m certainly happy to hear you are well now and to know how well you were treated by French medical professionals!
Take care of yourself
I wish you a very happy and above all, healthy new year .
Steve L.
Best wishes from Jean too