Picardie Public Health Bulletin. No. 5 – December 2012.

This season, 33 cases of acute respiratory infections were reported by nursing homes in the region, 28 of which occurred concurrently with the flu epidemic. Of these cases, 25 underwent etiological testing, and 21 were confirmed as influenza virus infections (84%). During periods of influenza circulation, etiological investigation—particularly through the use of rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) for influenza—must be conducted early to enable the prescription of prophylactic antiviral treatments for residents in contact with sick residents, thereby reducing morbidity and mortality. Ultimately, 698 residents and 127 staff members were affected, leading to 33 hospitalizations and 17 deaths. These clusters of cases underscore the importance of influenza vaccination in these facilities for residents, but also for staff, among whom vaccination coverage appears insufficient. Nationally, vaccination coverage among residents was 84%, compared to only 24% for staff.

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