Key development: Influenza and acute respiratory infections are spreading in the Midi-Pyrénées region

A flu epidemic was declared in mainland France on January 30, 2012, after the threshold for flu-like illness consultations reported by the national network of sentinel physicians was exceeded. In Midi-Pyrénées, this threshold was exceeded in week 7. The National Reference Center for Influenza Viruses has identified the A(H3N2) virus as the predominant strain circulating in the population. This A(H3N2) strain particularly affects the elderly, with an increased risk of mortality. It is known to cause clusters of cases among elderly people living in group settings; therefore, it is important that facilities housing these elderly individuals quickly identify the first cases and immediately implement standard control measures to contain these outbreaks.This strain has circulated little in recent years, and vaccine protection against it is not absolute. These characteristics raise concerns about potential strain on healthcare systems.