CDC FluView Week 47: Most of The Nation at High or Very High Levels Of ILI

#17,147

Even though it doesn't reflect any of the expected post-holiday spike in flu cases, today's FluView Report shows most of the nation experiencing either High or Very High levels of ILI (Influenza-like Illness), at levels not seen since the 2009 pandemic. 

It isn't just flu, of course.  We're seeing very high levels of RSV as well, along with rising COVID rates. Among influenza infections, H3N2 is by far the most common subtype reported. 

Key Points From Today's FluView Report Include:

• Seasonal influenza activity is high and continues to increase across the country.
• Of influenza A viruses detected and subtyped this season, 79% have been influenza A(H3N2) and 21% have been influenza A(H1N1).
• Two influenza-associated pediatric deaths were reported this week, for a total of 14 pediatric flu deaths reported so far this season.
• CDC estimates that, so far this season, there have been at least 8.7 million illnesses, 78,000 hospitalizations, and 4,500 deaths from flu.
• The cumulative hospitalization rate in the FluSurv-NET system is higher than the rate observed in week 47 during every previous season since 2010-2011.
• The number of flu hospital admissions reported in the HHS Protect system during week 47 almost doubled compared with week 46.
• The majority of influenza viruses tested are in the same genetic subclade as and antigenically similar to the influenza viruses included in this season’s influenza vaccine.
• All viruses collected and evaluated this season have been susceptible to influenza antivirals.
• An annual flu vaccine is the best way to protect against flu. Vaccination helps prevent infection and can also prevent serious outcomes in people who get vaccinated but still get sick with flu.
• CDC recommends that everyone ages 6 months and older get a flu vaccine annually. Now is a good time to get vaccinated if you haven’t already.
• There are also prescription flu antiviral drugs that can be used to treat flu illness; those need to be started as early as possible.

It isn't too late to get a flu shot, and wearing face masks in public and using hand sanitizer can add additional layers of protection.  Most of all, if you do get sick, stay home.