The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported today that positive tests, hospitalizations, and outpatient visits related to the flu increased once again last week. The highest levels were observed in the south-central, southern, and western regions.
For the second consecutive week, the percentage of outpatient visits for flu-like illness stands at 3.5%, surpassing the national baseline. In five out of the ten U.S. regions, this percentage is either at or above their respective baselines. Additionally, the percentage of respiratory specimens testing positive for flu increased from 3% to 4% compared to the previous week. Among positive samples analyzed at public health labs, 75.8% were identified as influenza A, and within the subtyped specimens, 87.2% were attributed to the 2009 H1N1 strain.
Estimated 8,000 hospitalizations, 490 deaths
The CDC has provided estimates for the ongoing flu season, indicating at least 780,000 flu infections, 8,000 hospitalizations, and 490 flu-related deaths. Hospitalization rates are notably elevated among seniors and children aged 4 and younger, who also exhibit the highest levels of outpatient visits.
Louisiana reported very high flu activity, monitored through clinic visits for flu, while eight other jurisdictions—Alabama, the District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, New Mexico, Puerto Rico, and South Carolina—reported high flu activity.
As of the latest update, there are no new pediatric flu deaths reported by the CDC, with the season's total remaining at one. However, Mississippi recently reported its first flu-related death this season.
Regarding flu vaccine uptake, the CDC estimates that over half (57.6%) of seniors have been immunized, followed by nearly 35% of adults in other age groups, and 32.6% of children. The CDC emphasizes its recommendation for all individuals aged 6 months and older to receive the flu vaccine.
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