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Impact of the influenza epidemic on invasive bacterial infections. Co-infections between the influenza virus and certain bacteria are frequently observed: intense influenza virus activity can thus contribute to an increased risk of invasive bacterial infections, particularly those originating in the respiratory tract, caused by Group A streptococcus, pneumococcus, Staphylococcus aureus, and Haemophilus influenzae (ref). Viral infections also promote the occurrence of post-influenza invasive meningococcal infections (IIM). In France, there is an annual peak in IIM incidence during the winter season, generally in February/March. The continuous collection of data on invasive meningococcal infections, through the mandatory reporting (MR) system and the Unified Network’s data on consultations for influenza-like illnesses, illustrates the temporal association between influenza and IIM (Figure).Given the current intensity of influenza virus circulation in France, it therefore seems useful to remind clinicians of the importance of remaining vigilant regarding the possibility of severe bacterial infections in individuals presenting with influenza-like illness or following such illness.