Flu Outbreak Confirmed in Metropolitan France

In Week 6, surveillance indicators collected as part of the monitoring of the winter influenza and influenza-like illness epidemic are on the rise, confirming the spread of the influenza epidemic across the country (sources: Unified Network of Sentinelle Physicians and the Grog Network, emergency departments participating in the Oscour® network, SOS Médecins associations, partners in virological surveillance, and surveillance of severe cases admitted to intensive care units). According to data from the unified network (Sentinel Physicians and the GROG network), the incidence rate of influenza-like illnesses in mainland France is 375 cases per 100,000 inhabitants [95% CI: 354–396] in week 6, having remained above the epidemic threshold for three consecutive weeks. Epidemiological indicators for the Midi-Pyrénées region show the same increase. As a reminder, influenza viruses are transmitted from person to person through respiratory secretions when sneezing or coughing. They can also be transmitted by contact through contaminated objects. Confined and crowded spaces (subways, buses, schools, etc.) are conducive to the transmission of these viruses. The incubation period for the disease ranges from 1 to 3 days.In a community of at-risk individuals during a flu outbreak, hygiene and care measures are detailed in the report by the High Council for Public Health (HCSP) titled "Guidelines for Managing One or More Acute Respiratory Infections in Communities of Older Adults," dated July 2012.