# 5918
While the 2011-2012 flu season has yet to get rolling in North America and Europe, the experiences south of the equator over the last few months suggest we may see a fair amount of influenza activity later this year.
For now, the CDC’s weekly KEY FLU INDICATORS report, aside from noting the single trH3N2 case in Maine, paints an otherwise unremarkable picture of flu activity this fall. It should be noted, however, that many years influenza doesn’t make an impact until December or January.
Influenza activity in the United States remains low according to the second FluView of the 2011-2012 season. Nationally, all key flu indicators were low. Below is a summary of the most recent key indicators:
- Visits to doctors for influenza-like illness (ILI) remained below the national baseline this week. All 10 U.S. regions reported ILI activity below region-specific baseline levels as well.
- No states reported widespread, regional or local influenza activity. Sporadic influenza activity was reported by 18 states (a decrease from 20 states last week) and the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Thirty-two states (an increase from 29 states last week) reported no influenza activity.
- The proportion of deaths attributed to pneumonia and influenza (P&I) based on the 122 Cities Mortality Reporting System increased slightly from last week, but remained within the level expected for this time of year.
- No influenza-associated pediatric deaths were reported this week.
- Nationally, the percentage of specimens testing positive for influenza in the United States was 0.5%, a decrease from what was reported last week (1.2%).
- Though very few viruses have been submitted so far this season, these include 2009 H1N1 viruses, influenza A (H3N2) viruses and influenza B viruses. Overall, these viruses remain susceptible to the antiviral drugs oseltamivir and zanamivir.
- One report of human infection with swine origin influenza A (H3N2) is being reported this week.
The CDC recommends getting your flu shot now – to give your body enough time to develop antibodies before you are exposed to the virus. I got my shot the last week of September, but I know many people are still putting it off.
To make it easier for you to get the jab, Flu.gov has a handy, interactive web app that allows you to input your location, and get a list of pharmacies, clinics, and stores where you can get the flu vaccine near you.
By entering my zip code, I’m presented with a local map showing 26 places offering flu shots, along with their prices, phone numbers, and hours of operation.
I’ve made my case for getting the seasonal flu shot every year many times, including in Flu Shot Ethics and NPM11: Giving Preparedness A Shot In The Arm, so I’ll not repeat them here.
While the vaccine doesn’t offer 100% protection, the CDC maintains it is the single best thing you can do to protect yourself – and others – from influenza.
And this year, just about everyone over the age of 6 months is encouraged to get the shot (see MMWR: ACIP Updated Flu Vaccination Recommendations).
The CDC reminds you that:
