Immunology in France

Immunology is the branch of medical and biological sciences that focuses on the immune system, which is the system involved in defending the body from infection. Medical doctors who specialize in diagnosing, treating, and managing health conditions that affect the immune system are called immunologists. Some of the immune-related conditions that immunologists may help diagnose and treat are as follows:

• Allergic conjunctivitis
• Allergic rhinitis
• Anaphylaxis
• Autoimmune disorders
• Autoinflammatory syndromes
• Asthma
• Atopic dermatitis
• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• CREST syndrome
• Eosinophilic esophagitis
• Primary immunodeficiency diseases
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Sarcoidosis
• Scleroderma
• Sjogren's syndrome
• Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
• Urticaria.

In some cases, immunologists also provide support for the diagnosis and management of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), other systemic/severe infections, tuberculosis, and multiple sclerosis. 

A wide range of tests and procedures are performed by immunologists to identify and treat immune conditions, including:

• Patch tests to identify specific substances that cause allergic skin reactions.
• Antibody tests to measure the levels of antibodies present in the blood. This test is performed to diagnose allergies and immunodeficiency conditions.
• Skin prick test to detect specific immediate allergies to food and environmental triggers.
• T cell tests to evaluate a person’s T cell activity, which is specialized immune cells in the blood.

Treatment for immune diseases usually involves the administration of medications, such as steroids or other immunosuppressant medications, and general surgery or transplantation, such as stem cell transplantation. 

How Long Should I Stay in France?

Tests and treatments conducted by immunologists are largely outpatient-based, meaning you do not need to stay in the hospital after your appointment. However, you may need to stay in France for a few days for follow-up checkups, usually to discuss the results of the test or to see how you are responding to treatments.

What's the Expected Recovery Time?

In most cases, no recovery time is needed after the appointment with your immunologist. However, depending on your condition and the symptoms you are experiencing, your immunologist may advise you to rest and take some time off work until you do not experience any symptoms that interfere with your ability to perform your daily activities.

What Aftercare is Required?

Since treatments and management of immune diseases typically involve medications, it is important that you take the medications as prescribed by your immunologist. You will likely be given a set of instructions, which may include diet and activity restrictions. It is important that you follow all of the instructions to prevent complications. You may also need to attend regular checkups, but you can choose to have them with your local doctor instead of your immunologist in France if you prefer. In some cases, supportive treatments, such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and podiatry may be recommended.

What's the Success Rate?

Immunology research is constantly being conducted to increase the understanding of how the immune systems work and to develop better ways of diagnosing and treating immunological conditions. While there is currently no cure for many immune diseases, such as allergy and autoimmune disease, treatments are proven to be highly successful and safe to control the disease and manage the symptoms. 

Are there Alternatives?

In most cases, you need to see an immunologist for immune-disease. However, depending on the type of disease you have, you may be able to see other specialists or your immunologist may refer you to the relevant specialist. For example, if you have rheumatoid arthritis, you may be referred to a rheumatologist.

Immunology in and around France

About France

France, renowned for its architecture, art, cinema, cuisine, fashion, literature, music, and wine, with the most significant attraction being its glorious capital city, Paris - home to the famous Eifel Tower. With its small medical tourism industry, France sees far fewer medical tourists than its neighbors Germany and Spain, however, many travel each year for Immunology procedures among other popular procedures. Other than Paris, popular locations for private medical centers, include Bordeaux, Lyon, and Montpellier.

Popular Parts of France

France has welcomed more than 80 million visitors in the past few years. The country does have a lot to offer, from culture to iconic landscapes, making it an ideal place to spend a memorable holiday. 

• Paris, the capital of France, is an international center of culture, fashion, art, and gastronomy. Hundreds of writers have written about their love of this city, and it is easy to see why. With thousands of years of history, the city is filled with iconic monuments. Some of the most famous and most visited landmarks are the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, and Notre Dame. This stunning city is also known for its art nouveau cafes with pretty chairs lining the terrace and the beautiful banks of the Seine that are perfect for romantic walks. 
• Bordeaux is known for its wine, lively restaurant scene, and the futuristic La Cité du Vin. Tourists can take a tour of a winery and taste some of the world’s best wines. Complete the wine tour by visiting La Cité du Vin, an ultra-modern cultural center that provides comprehensive information about wine production. Other than the wine, there are countless things that tourists can do in this city. Visit Place de la Victoire, a pretty square with amazing architecture, or visit Musée D’Aquitaine to see historical collections from all around the Aquitaine region.
• Lyon is the third-largest city in France and it is famous for its cuisine and historical landmarks. The city was an important area for silk production and had lots of trade with Italy and tourists can see the Italian influence in the city’s architecture. The city attracts travelers to come and visit its many museums such as the Museum of Fine Arts of Lyon, Museum of Miniatures, and Textile Museum. Tourists who love cinema will be delighted to explore the Lumiere Institute. Since Lyon is famous for its gastronomic scene, tourists should taste its famous specialties in a Bouchon.
• Nice is the second-largest tourist destination in France. Located on the Mediterranean coast, the city is brimming with stunning beaches, hilltop lookouts, and glamorous restaurants. Thanks to its Mediterranean climate, it is always filled with sun-seekers all year round. The city in the past also attracted many artists such as Henri Matisse, Marc Chagall, Pablo Picasso, and Pierre-Auguste Renoir. The city pays tribute to the artists in its top museums, the Musée Chagall and the Musée Matisse.
• Marseille is the second most populated city in France. Found by Greek sailors in 600 BC, it is one of the oldest cities in Europe. With a complex history, it is now a melting pot of different cultures. Discover the city by shopping in one of the colorful markets like the Noailles market. Do not forget to visit the Calanques to admire its beauty, wander around the interesting Mucem, get lost in Le Panier, and stroll around the scenic Corniche.     

Weather and Climate in France

France generally enjoys mild summers and cold winters except in the Mediterranean area, which enjoys mild winters and hot summers. Spring starts in March and ends in April and the streets in spring are bursting with colors, making it a beautiful time to visit the country. It rains a lot during this season but the weather will start to brighten up in April. The temperature ranges between 7.5 °C in early March and 13.6 °C in May. June is when the summer starts and this season is a high season for tourism. The average temperature in summer is around 24 °C and the season experience little rainfall (around 11 days every month). 

Autumn lasts from September to November. With an average of 12 °C, the temperature is still pretty mild to enjoy some outdoor activities. The temperature will slowly decrease in November when it reaches an average of 7.5 °C. Autumn is also the season of grape harvests, meaning it is a great time for wine tours. Winter is during the months of December to February and the weather can be really cold during this season with an average temperature of 5 °C. Despite the cold, December can be a delightful time to visit the country since it is one of the most festive months in France.

Getting Around in France

France has 34 airports, but the busiest are the airports in Paris: Paris Charles de Gaulle and Orly. Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport is the largest airport in France and the second largest in Europe. The airport serves domestic and international flights. It connects France with almost every country around the globe. It also serves budget airlines such as EasyJet and Norwegian Air Shuttle. While Charles de Gaulle airport serves as the main airport, Orly Airport serves as a secondary hub for domestic and overseas territories flights. 

Traveling around France is easy. The wide range of airports let tourists travel around the country quickly by domestic flights. The country also has a great rail system since it is the creator of the earliest high-speed train system. The TGV (Train a Grande Vitesse) connects 150 cities in the country and Europe. It speeds up to 200 miles per hour. Other than the TGV, there are also Intercity trains, TER, and AutoTrain. The easiest way to buy train tickets is online. The prices vary widely but you will get good bargains if you book early. Before getting on the train, remember to validate your ticket in yellow machines known as compostage de billets.

Taxis can be found easily around France and you can hail a taxi from a taxi rank (station de taxi) outside railway stations, airports, or main areas in cities. You can also hail one directly from the street or by telephone. The taxis are metered and the base fare is around €4.10. If there are more than four passengers, there will be an extra fee of €2.50 and the driver can charge an extra €2 if you have a lot of luggage and Taxis are usually more expensive in Paris.

Tourist Visas in France

France is a member of the Schengen Agreement. Therefore, holders of ordinary passport from 62 countries including Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, and the United States do not need a visa to enter the country for short stays of up to 90 days. Other nationals not listed need to apply and obtain a visa before entering the country. It is advisable to always check at the nearest France embassy or consulate for a France visa.

Additional Information

1. Local Currency: The official currency in France is the Euro (€). US$1 converts to €0.85.
2. Money & Payments: ATMs (known as DAB - distributeurs automatiques de billets) are widely available in the country, particularly in airports, train stations, and street corners. Credit and debit cards are accepted almost everywhere, including shops, supermarkets, restaurants, and hotels. Tipping can sometimes be mandatory, usually around 10% in restaurants.
3. Local Language: French is the official language. Most people in large cities will speak English, especially in hotels and tourist sites. But it is better to know some French.
4. Local Culture and Religion: France has a diverse religion under secular principles. The major religion in the country is Christianity, but other religions such as Islam, Buddhism, and Judaism are freely practiced. 
5. Public Holidays: There are 11 official public holidays in France, including New Year’s Day, Easter Monday, Bastille Day, and Christmas Day.