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Surveillance of Severe Influenza Cases Admitted to Intensive Care – Situation as of January 22, 2014 Nationwide, 26 new severe influenza cases admitted to intensive care were reported to the InVS in Week 3, bringing the total to 75 severe cases since November 1, 2013. The patients were predominantly adults with risk factors, unvaccinated, and infected with an influenza A virus. Among them, 5 cases have died. Auvergne is one of the hardest-hit regions, with 9 severe cases since the start of surveillance. Patient ages range from 3 months to 81 years (median = 53 years). All 9 patients were infected with an influenza A virus, including 7 A(H1N1) pdm09 and 2 A viruses currently undergoing subtyping. One death was reported in a patient hospitalized in a pediatric intensive care unit. The number of severe cases admitted to intensive care is higher than expected prior to the onset of the epidemic. Compared with data from previous years, admitted patients do not appear to have more severe forms of the disease. This number may be inflated by improved influenza screening in intensive care units but more likely reflects the circulation of the A(H1N1) pdm09 virus. Consequently, vaccination and prompt care for individuals at risk of influenza complications are more important than ever.