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The 2018-2019 influenza season continues to record high levels of influenza activity in the United States. The CDC does not expect the current influenza season to end in the next few weeks. ( Luisella Planeta Leoni | pixabay )
The 2018-2019 influenza season does not end. According to a new report, the rate of hospitalization due to flu-like symptoms remains high.
FluView, from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, reports that 44 states continue to experience widespread influenza activity this year. The A (H3) virus, in particular, causes a recrudescence of new cases.
The report provides a weekly summary of the current influenza season. The public health agency predicts that this year, influenza activity will remain high for a few weeks and suggests that this season will likely be "relatively long".
The 2018-2019 flu season is in full swing
Influenza season generally begins to slow down around March, but influenza activity continues to increase throughout the country. The report shows data for the week ending March 16 that the rate of influenza-like medical visits was 4.4% or higher than the national baseline of 2.2%.
The CDC adds that influenza-like illness rates have been above the national benchmark for 17 weeks now. High ILI activities continue to be observed in 26 states.
A total of 13,604 laboratory-confirmed influenza-badociated hospitalizations have been reported since the start of the current influenza season, October 1, 2018. The highest rate is among adults 65 years of age and older.
The report also reveals that eight pediatric deaths occurred last week, bringing to 76 the total number of pediatric deaths in this 2018-2019 influenza season.
Although the influenza A (H1N1) pdm09 virus remains predominant this year, the A (H3) virus also contributes to the upsurge in influenza activity. During the week ended March 16, more cases of A (H3) virus-related illness were reported compared to A (H1N1) pdm09.
What to do to avoid the flu
The CDC continues to recommend influenza vaccination as long as viruses are still present and circulating. The second line of defense is antiviral drugs for the treatment of those who have been affected.
Avoid close contact with people with flu-like symptoms such as cough, runny / stuffy nose, sore throat, fever, headache, fatigue, and muscle and body aches. Frequent and adequate washing and disinfecting surfaces, often touched or used, can also prevent disease and the spread of viruses.
Infected persons are asked to stay at home for at least 24 hours and to seek medical care.
Ⓒ 2018 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.
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