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Despite an unusually mild flu American season so far (see map above), there are subtle hints that this quiet winter may yet yield some surprises, as heavy flu activity is just now starting to spread into Western Europe.
For several weeks we've been watching reports of unusually severe H1N1pdm09 flu in Russia and Ukraine (see An Update On The Russian Influenza Epi Report), including reports of thousands of schools closed.
Russian epidemiological reports for the past few weeks have included information on a new subgroup of clade 6B of H1N1pdm09, and yesterday the ECDC issued a statement saying it was `unclear if the emergence of a new genetic subgroup of A(H1N1) virus might compromise vaccine effectiveness.'
We should get a new update from the WHO National Influenza Centre Of Russia in the next couple of days.
Meanwhile, although flu activity remains generally low in the United States, the CDC has received word of a few sporadic, severe flu cases which they announced last week in a HAN Advisory: Severe Influenza Illness Reported.
Although a late season surge in North American influenza is by no means assured, it can't be discounted either.
Next week the CDC has scheduled a COCA call to bring clinicians up to date on the current flu season, and the latest recommendations for treatment and management of severe influenza.
Date:Tuesday, February 16, 2016
Time:2:00 - 3:00 pm (Eastern Time)
Participate by Phone:
Passcode:4396514
- 800-857-9697 (U.S. Callers)
- 212-287-1833 (International Callers)
Participate by Webinar: https://www.mymeetings.com/nc/join.php?i=PW6927485&p=4396514&t=c
Presenter(s)
Fiona Havers, MD, MHS
Medical Officer
Influenza Division
National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Overview
Influenza activity is increasing across the United States and CDC has received several reports of severe influenza illness. Since October 2015, CDC has detected co-circulation of multiple seasonal influenza virus types and sub-types, with recent reports of severe respiratory illness among young- to middle-aged adults with H1N1pdm09 virus infection. During this COCA Webinar, clinicians will learn about 2015-2016 influenza activity, hear an overview of CDC’s current recommendations for vaccination and antiviral medications, and gain insight into data supporting the recommendations.
Objectives
- Describe the current status of influenza activity in the United States
- Discuss the circulating influenza strains seen this season and the implications for clinicians
- Discuss the use of influenza diagnostic tests and their role in clinical care
- Discuss antiviral treatment and implications for patient evaluation, treatment and testing
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