Flu Outbreak: Indicators Continue to Rise and Recommendations from the HCSP

• Indicators of the flu epidemic continue to rise in Week 5 in Midi-Pyrénées: an increase in visits to private practices, an increase in visits to emergency departments, and an increase in the number of flu cases admitted to intensive care units in the region.

• The predominance of an Influenza A(H3N2) virus different from the vaccine strain in France and Europe has been confirmed. These flu viruses are known to cause complications in at-risk individuals.

• The vaccine is not expected to provide the anticipated protection this season, but remains the best tool for preventing severe and potentially fatal illness in at-risk groups.

• Antiviral drugs have demonstrated efficacy as curative treatment in reducing the risk of hospitalization in cases of seasonal influenza affecting individuals at risk of complications. However, there is a risk of developing resistance, and recent data suggest a prudent use of these antivirals.

• In this context, regarding the management of patients suspected of having influenza, particularly in elderly care facilities, the early use of antiviral treatments—either curatively or preventively—is recommended, in accordance with the opinion of the High Council for Public Health (HCSP) dated November 9, 2012. Since the effectiveness of treatment is linked to how early it is administered, treatment should be initiated as soon as possible, without waiting for the results of the virological confirmatory test, if one has been performed.