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As the latest FluView chart (above) illustrates, last week saw a small dip in influenza activity reported around the country, but as this coincides with a Thanksgiving-holiday shortened week, this is likely more of a blip than a trend.
Once again, the worst of the flu season is impacting the deep south, and for the 5th week running, it is Influenza B leading the pack, followed by H1N1 and then H3N2.
This week's FluView report provides the following Key Points:
Dominant flu strains often shift dramatically over the course of a single flu season, and while influenza B is currently leading the pack, there is plenty of time for either H1N1 or H3N2 to take the lead.Key Points
- The 2019-2020 season is underway; all regions of the country are seeing elevated levels of flu-like illness.
- Activity is being caused mostly by influenza B/Victoria viruses, which is unusual for this time of year. A/H1N1 viruses are the next most common and are increasing in proportion relative to other influenza viruses in some regions.
- CDC estimates that so far this season there have been at least 2.6 million flu illnesses, 23,000 hospitalizations and 1,300 deaths from flu.
- It’s not too late to get vaccinated. Flu vaccination is always the best way to prevent flu and its potentially serious complications.
- Antiviral medications are an important adjunct to flu vaccine in the control of influenza. Almost all (>99%) of the influenza viruses tested this season are susceptible to the 4 FDA-approved influenza antiviral medications recommended for use in the U.S. this season.
A/H3N2 is currently running a distant third place, and clade 3C.3a H3N2 viruses - which took over the second half of last year's U.S. flu season, and prompted a delayed decision on this year's flu vaccine (see WHO Selects Fall H3N2 Flu Shot Component: Clade 3C.3a) - have yet to turn up in this year's CDC testing.While the early start to this year's flu season may suggest an early peak, it is still too soon to tell. Having influenza B dominate this early is unusual, and a mid-season change to influenza A could prolong the season.
You can read the full Week 49 FluView Report at the link below:.
Now is the time to rigorously practice good flu hygiene. Stay home if you are sick, avoid crowds, wash your hands frequently, and cover your coughs and sneezes.
It is also not too late to get a flu shot.If you do get sick, call your doctor. Early treatment with antivirals can shorten your illness, and for some patients, can be life saving.
