Highlights

Surveillance of ARI and AGE in long-term care facilities and services for older adults, 2011–2012 winter season

Surveillance of outbreaks of acute respiratory infections (ARI) and acute gastroenteritis (AGE) occurring in long-term care facilities (Ehpa) conducted during the 2011-2012 winter season revealed a marked increase in reports of clusters of ARI cases compared to the previous season, accompanied by a higher mortality rate. This difference is linked to the change in the dominant virus between the two winter seasons: the A(H1N1) virus in 2010–2011, where severe cases and deaths primarily affected those under 65, and the seasonal A(H3N2) virus in 2011–2012, which, conversely, posed risks to those over 65.