The CDC’s latest FluView report shows early-season flu activity rising across the U.S., with the estimated hospitalization rate for the week ending October 17 reaching its highest level for this point in the season since 2010–11. Five important updates include:
- Hospitalizations are increasing: The estimated weekly flu hospitalization rate is between 1.5 and 2 per 100,000 after accounting for reporting delays. Adults 65 and older have the highest rate, followed by adults ages 50–64 and children 4 and younger.
- Positive flu tests are rising: Clinical laboratories reported 2,918 positive specimens, representing 5.7% of tests, up from 5% the previous week. Nearly all subtyped influenza A viruses were H1N1.
- Emergency department visits remain steady: Approximately 0.9% of emergency department visits were associated with a flu diagnosis, unchanged from the prior week. Visits increased among children and teenagers.
- Flu-like illness is spreading geographically: Flu-like symptoms accounted for 2.2% of outpatient visits, below the national baseline of 2.9%. However, the number of metropolitan areas reporting moderate flu activity increased from 8 to 25 in one week.
- Vaccination remains recommended: The CDC continues to recommend annual flu vaccination for everyone 6 months and older. Researchers are monitoring genetic changes in circulating H1N1 viruses, but it is too early to determine whether those changes could affect vaccine effectiveness. No pediatric flu deaths have been reported this season.
Resource: Flu hospitalization rate hits highest mid-October level since 2010: 5 notes