CDC: Flu Activity Expands; Severity Similar to Past H3N2 Seasons

CDC recommends vaccination and rapid treatment with antiviral drugs for people at high risk from flu

Flu continues to expand its reach in the United States this season, with the latest CDC FluView report showing that 43 states are experiencing either high or widespread flu activity, mostly resulting from circulation of drifted H3N2 viruses. Patient visits to doctors for influenza-like-illness (ILI) are now almost even with the peak of 2012-2013 season, the last time H3N2 viruses predominated. Relatively higher flu hospitalization rates seen so far this season are similar to what has been observed during some past H3N2-predominant seasons.

CDC continues to encourage influenza vaccination and prompt treatment with flu antiviral drugs for people at high risk of serious flu complications, including people 65 and older, children younger than 5 years (and especially those younger than 2 years), pregnant women and any person with certain health conditions.

To learn more visit the CDC website for further detail.