CDC: Seasonal Influenza Activity Remains Elevated

Seasonal influenza activity remains elevated in the United States and is widespread in most of the country.

CDC officials said on January 18 that they expect that flu activity will remain elevated for a number of weeks.

Three flu-associated pediatric deaths were reported for the week ended January 12, 2019, according to the CDC.

Those deaths are among a total of 19 reported cases of children who died this season from illness associated with the influenza virus.

Overall, 3.1% of people in the United States sought treatment from their health care providers for influenza-like illness (ILI), during the week ended January 12, 2019. This percentage is above the national baseline of 2.2%.

The CDC is recommending a vaccination, now, for anyone age 6 months and older who has not yet received a flu vaccine this season.

An annual flu vaccine is the best way to protect against the influenza virus, according to the agency.

In addition to preventing potentially serious complications from influenza, including death, flu immunization has been shown to reduce the severity of illness among people who get vaccinated but still get sick.

Nationally, the H1N1 viruses have been the most commonly identified influenza viruses. However, in the southeast region of the United States, H3N2 viruses were the predominant influenza viruses.

Overall, 9 states experienced high influenza-like illness activity during the week ended January 12, 2019. They are: Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, and Oklahoma.

Reference

CDC. Situation Update: Summary of Weekly FluView Report. cdc.gov/flu/weekly/summary.htm?rel=0" ?rel=0". Published January 18, 2019. Accessed January 21, 2019.