CDC FluView Week 49: Flu Levels Drop Slightly, But Still High Across the Nation

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Our early, and robust, H3N2 driven flu season continues across the nation in week 49, albeit not quite as intensely as a couple of weeks ago (see FluView chart below).  While it is possible that the worst may be behind us, we've seen double and even triple spiked flu seasons in the past. 

The Christmas holidays may help reinvigorate the flu in early January, and it is worth noting that in Russia, and parts of Europe, they are seeing heavy H1N1 activity.  A subtype we haven't seen in several years, making it possible we could see a shift to that subtype in the months to come. 

As it is, influenza rates have placed a number of healthcare facilities under stress (see Some States Edge Toward `Crisis Standards Of Care' As Hospitals Struggle With Winter Surge), and the CDC is reporting sporadic shortages of influenza antivirals (see CDC HAN #0482: Prioritizing Antiviral Treatment of Influenza).

Key Points from today's FluView include: 

• Seasonal influenza activity remains high but appears to be declining in some areas.
• Of influenza A viruses detected and subtyped during week 49, 80% were influenza A(H3N2) and 20% were influenza A(H1N1).
• Nine influenza-associated pediatric deaths were reported this week, for a total of 30 pediatric flu deaths reported so far this season.
• CDC estimates that, so far this season, there have been at least 15 million illnesses, 150,000 hospitalizations, and 9,300 deaths from flu.
• The cumulative hospitalization rate in the FluSurv-NET system is higher than the rate observed in week 49 during every previous season since 2010-2011.
• The number of flu hospital admissions reported in the HHS Protect system decreased nationally during week 49 compared to week 48.
• 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 the influenza antivirals oseltamivir, peramivir, zanamivir, and baloxavir.
• 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.
• CDC issued Interim Guidance for Clinicians to Prioritize Antiviral Treatment of Influenza in the Setting of Reduced Availability of Oseltamivir through the Health Alert Network (HAN) on December 15, 2022.

It isn't too late to get a flu shot - since there could be a lot more flu to come - and wearing face masks in public and using hand sanitizer can add additional layers of protection.

 As always, if you do get sick, stay home.