Seasonal flu activity has seen a notable increase across the United States, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). As of December 13, 2023, the number of positive influenza tests rose by 14.8%. Additionally, there was a 4.1% increase in visits to health care providers due to respiratory illnesses, highlighting a concerning trend as the flu season progresses.
The CDC has reported three pediatric deaths attributed to influenza this season, with two of these fatalities occurring during the most recent reporting week. Comparatively, the last flu season recorded a total of 287 pediatric deaths, the highest figure since the 2009-2010 season, which was notably impacted by the H1N1 virus.
Current Flu Activity Levels
The latest data indicates that five states are experiencing very high levels of flu activity, while an additional ten states report high flu-like activity. The CDC assesses flu activity levels by monitoring the proportion of outpatient visits for influenza-like illnesses relative to non-influenza weeks. This method provides a comprehensive overview of how widespread the flu is within various regions.
As of December 13, the CDC’s analysis suggests that the current flu season is marked by an early and intense outbreak, leading to increased hospital visits and a heightened awareness among health officials.
New Strains and Global Context
This season has also introduced a new variant of the influenza A virus known as subclade K. This strain has been linked to early surges in flu cases in countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, and Japan. Laboratory reports indicate that a significant majority of influenza cases identified during the week ending November 29 were attributed to the influenza A virus. Notably, almost 90% of the influenza A samples tested from September 28 to November 29 were the new variant, raising concerns about its potential impact on public health.
The ongoing rise in flu activity underscores the importance of vaccination and public health measures to mitigate the spread of the virus. As health care providers continue to monitor the situation, awareness and proactive health measures will be critical in managing the flu season effectively.
