Key Points

• Flu: Sharp increase in the epidemic during its second week:- Incidence of flu-like illnesses seen in private practice has doubled- Flu-related activity in emergency departments has doubled- Sharp increase in the number of severe flu cases admitted to intensive care and outbreaks of acute respiratory infections in nursing homes- Almost exclusive circulation of the A(H3N2) virus—Significant impact on those aged 65 and older—At this stage, no more severe characteristics of severe cases or outbreaks in nursing homes compared to previous seasons.

• Fine Particulate Matter Pollution: The episode of fine particulate matter air pollution that began on November 30 ended across the entire country on December 19, 2016, with the exception of the ARA region. This exceptional episode persisted in the former Rhône-Alpes region in three areas: Pays de Savoie, the Grenoble Basin, and the Arve Valley. Currently, the Arve Valley remains on alert. Heating, and specifically individual wood-burning heating, is the main contributor to fine particulate matter emissions. In this context, prefectural measures have been activated in the affected areas to disseminate health recommendations and implement measures aimed at reducing pollutant emissions.