Key Points

• According to data from the Sentinelles Network, the influenza epidemic season in mainland France lasted from week 03-2015 (January 12–18, 2015) to week 11-2015 (March 9–15, 2015), a total of 9 weeks. The peak of activity was observed in week 06-2015 (February 2–8, 2015).

• In the Alsace region, influenza was the most frequently diagnosed condition for 7 consecutive weeks (weeks 4 through 10) for the SOS Médecins association in Bas-Rhin and for 8 consecutive weeks (weeks 4 through 11) for the SOS Médecins association in Haut-Rhin.

• During the winter of 2014–2015, influenza-related activity accounted for a very significant portion of the work for both SOS Médecins associations in the region. At the peak of the epidemic, influenza accounted for 26% of their activity.

• According to data from the HUS virology laboratory, type A viruses were predominant this year. Results from the CNR influenza virus network are consistent and show widespread circulation of the A(H3N2) virus (55% of positive samples).

• During the 2014–2015 winter season, 59 severe cases of influenza requiring intensive care were reported to the CIRE (compared to 9 cases in 2013–2014 and 35 cases in 2012–2013). The clinical outcome was favorable for 51 cases (86%), and 8 cases (14%) died. The majority of cases (93%, N=55) had at least one risk factor for severe influenza, making these individuals eligible for vaccination. Only 15 of the 55 cases (27%) had actually been vaccinated.

• Regarding surveillance of ARI in long-term care facilities, 55 clusters of cases were reported in Alsace between September 1, 2014, and May 24, 2015. The median attack rate was 33.3% [13.6–100] with an average case fatality rate of 1.6%.

• During the 2014–2015 season, surveillance of influenza-like illness (ILI) in long-term care facilities for the elderly revealed that average influenza vaccination coverage among residents and staff remains insufficient (81.8% and 12.4%, respectively).