.." Key Points
- Seasonal influenza activity is elevated and continues to increase in most parts of the country.
- Outpatient respiratory illness has been above baseline nationally since November and is above baseline in all 10 HHS Regions.
- The number of weekly flu hospital admissions continues to increase.
- During Week 52, of the 651 viruses reported by public health laboratories, 581 (89.2%) were influenza A and 70 (10.8%) were influenza B. Of the 342 influenza A viruses subtyped during Week 52, 300 (87.7%) were influenza A(H1N1) and 42 (12.3%) were A(H3N2).
- Seven influenza-associated pediatric deaths were reported during Week 52, bringing the 2023-2024 season total to 27 pediatric deaths.
- CDC estimates that there have been at least 10 million illnesses, 110,000 hospitalizations, and 6,500 deaths from flu so far this season.
- CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older get an annual flu vaccine as long as influenza viruses are spreading. Vaccination now can still provide benefit this season.
- There also are prescription flu antiviral drugs that can treat flu illness; those should be started as early as possible and are especially important for higher risk patients.
- Flu viruses are among several viruses contributing to respiratory disease activity. CDC is providing updated, integrated information about COVID-19, flu, and RSV activity on a weekly basis. "...