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 of 2015 (February 2–8, 2015).

• In both private practice and emergency departments, the flu epidemic impacted activity from late December through late March. The peak in activity occurred in week 07 in the emergency departments of Lorraine and in week 06 for the SOS Médecins Meurthe-et-Moselle association. During the winter of 2014–2015, the impact of the flu on the activity of emergency departments and the SOS Médecins association was quite high.

• During the 2014–2015 winter season, 47 severe cases of influenza requiring hospitalization in intensive care were reported to the CIRE (compared with 11 cases reported in 2013–2014 and 24 cases in 2012–2013). The clinical outcome was favorable in 38 cases (81%), and 9 cases (19%) resulted in death. The majority of cases (89%, N=42) had at least one risk factor for severe influenza, making these individuals eligible for vaccination. Only 8 of the 42 cases (19%) had actually been vaccinated.

• According to data from the virology laboratory at Nancy University Hospital, 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.

• Regarding the surveillance of acute respiratory infections (ARIs) in long-term care facilities for the elderly, 78 clusters of cases were reported in Lorraine between September 1, 2014, and May 24, 2015. The median attack rate was 25% [0–100] with an average case fatality rate of 1.9%.

• During the 2014–2015 season, surveillance of acute respiratory infections in long-term care facilities for the elderly revealed that average influenza vaccination coverage among residents and staff remains insufficient (83% and 19.5%, respectively).