Flu: Start of the Epidemic Confirmed in FranceNationwide, the epidemic threshold has been exceeded for the second consecutive week, confirming the start of the epidemic. In Week 4, the incidence rate of influenza-like illness, calculated based on data from the single network, was 482 cases per 100,000 inhabitants [95% CI: 445–519], a very sharp increase compared to the previous week (246 cases per 100,000 inhabitants).The majority of influenza viruses in France and Europe are of the A(H3N2) type. These influenza viruses are known to cause complications in at-risk individuals. Vaccination coverage among at-risk populations is insufficient. The circulating B and A(H1N1) viruses are identical to the vaccine strain, which is not the case for the A(H3N2) strain. The vaccine remains the best preventive tool, even though its effectiveness is likely not optimal against A(H3N2). Mortality is higher than expected and primarily affects people aged 85 and older. The proportion of these deaths attributable to influenza is unknown. Since November 1, 2014, 223 severe cases of influenza have been reported to the InVS, including 16 deaths. The majority of these individuals had risk factors for severe influenza and were infected with an influenza A virus. In Midi-Pyrénées, all indicators are showing a marked increase, in both private practice and hospital settings. Since the start of surveillance, 11 severe cases hospitalized in intensive care have been reported to the Midi-Pyrénées Regional Health Agency (5 severe cases in week 4), including two deaths. The percentage of positive influenza test results among samples analyzed at the university hospital’s virology laboratory is also increasing. The identified influenza viruses are primarily type A (92%).