Key Points

Flu Epidemic: 4th Week of the EpidemicThe flu epidemic appears to be stabilizing during the first week of January. Emergency department activity for influenza and the hospitalization rate following emergency department visits, although slightly decreasing, remain very high. A very marked impact is observed among people aged 65 and older in terms of hospitalizations, severe cases, and outbreaks in nursing homes linked to the near-exclusive circulation of the A (H3N2) virus.An increase in mortality from all causes has been observed since week 51. It is estimated at +22% across all age groups and +26% among those aged 75 and older. This excess mortality is at least partly linked to the influenza epidemic, although it is not yet possible to quantify the proportion attributable to it at this stage.

Bronchiolitis – epidemic peak reached in week 52The epidemic peak was reached during the last week of December (2016-52). All surveillance indicators (outpatient, hospital, and virological) are declining during the first week of January.The magnitude and characteristics of the epidemic are comparable to those observed in previous seasons.