End of the flu season in France and the Auvergne region

• All indicators are declining

• The incidence rate of visits for flu-like symptoms fell below the epidemic threshold in week 12 (France and Auvergne)

• In France, approximately 2.9 million cases over the 9 epidemic weeks (weeks 3 through 11)

• In Auvergne, approximately 60,000 cases were reported during the 10 epidemic weeks (weeks 2 through 11)

• All-cause mortality has returned to expected levels in France and the region

Focus on all-cause mortality surveillance (Week 12)The winter season is typically marked by an increase in mortality, particularly among the elderly, which is routinely monitored using data provided by INSEE as part of the SurSaUD® health surveillance system for emergencies and deaths (InVS). Influenza is known to contribute significantly to excess winter mortality among the elderly, although it is difficult to assess its exact share.In mainland France, since the start of the influenza epidemic (mid-January), winter mortality from all causes (INSEE: 70% of national mortality) has been 16% higher than expected mortality, calculated based on the previous eight years, representing an estimated excess of approximately 16,000 deaths. This increase in mortality particularly affects people aged 65 and older and is observed across all regions. In Auvergne, the excess mortality from all causes, estimated on the same basis between weeks 3 and 12, is +26%, representing an estimated excess of 422 additional deaths (INSEE: 60% of regional mortality). This rate ranks first among metropolitan regions.