Health Monitoring in the Bourgogne and Franche-Comté Regions. Update as of February 12, 2015.

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On the Use of Neuraminidase Inhibitors Against the Current Flu SeasonThe European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) confirmed on January 30, 2015, the predominance of an Influenza A(H3N2) virus that is 70% different from the vaccine strain. It forecasts a more severe season than last winter and recommends the use of antivirals in an article published online on January 29 by Eurosurveillance. More than 95% of patients hospitalized or admitted to intensive care with influenza are infected with an A virus, predominantly of the A(H3N2) subtype.Seasons dominated by the A(H3N2) virus are more severe among the elderly and those at risk of complications than those dominated by A(H1N1) or B viruses. The ECDC notes that, even though vaccination is not expected to provide the anticipated protection this season, it remains " the tool of choice for preventing severe and potentially fatal illness in at-risk groups ." Given that the circulating viruses are sensitive to neuraminidase inhibitors (NAIs), it recommends their use for curative treatment and post-exposure prophylaxis, particularly in people at risk of complications.The High Committee on Public Health (HCSP) emphasized in its opinion of November 9, 2012, the importance of seasonal influenza vaccination for the populations targeted by the recommendations of the current vaccination schedule. It recommends targeted use of NAIs, regardless of vaccination history, according to the following guidelines: - curative treatment with NAIs for symptomatic individuals at risk of complications targeted by vaccination, who present with a severe or worsening form of the disease from the outset, or who require hospitalization for influenza,- preemptive treatment with NAIs, i.e., at a curative dose, for individuals who are still asymptomatic but deemed by a physician to be at very high risk of influenza complications and in close contact with a confirmed or clinically typical case of influenza, - post-exposure prophylactic treatment with NAIs only for individuals at risk of complications.

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