Seasonal influenza activity remains high

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

CDC officials said on January 18 that they expect influenza activity to remain high for several weeks.

Three pediatric influenza-badociated deaths have been reported for the week ended January 12, 2019, according to the CDC.

These deaths are among the 19 reported cases of children who died this season of diseases badociated with the flu virus.

Overall, 3.1% of Americans sought an ILI from their health care provider during the week ending January 12, 2019. This percentage is above the national baseline of 2, 2%.

The CDC is now recommending immunization for people 6 months of age and older who have not had a flu shot this season.

According to the agency, the annual flu shot is the best way to protect against the flu virus.

In addition to preventing the potentially serious complications of influenza, including death, it has been proven that influenza vaccination reduces the severity of illness in people who get vaccinated but become ill.

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

A total of 9 states experienced intense influenza-like activity during the week ended January 12, 2019. The following states were reported: Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico and Oklahoma.

Reference

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