Weekly U.S. Influenza Surveillance Report | Seasonal Influenza (Flu) | CDC

Weekly U.S. Influenza Surveillance Report | Seasonal Influenza (Flu) | CDC

2015-2016 Influenza Season Week 2 ending January 16, 2016

Synopsis:

During week 2 (January 10-16, 2016), influenza activity increased slightly in the United States.

• Viral Surveillance: The most frequently identified influenza virus type reported by public health laboratories during week 2 was influenza A, with influenza A (H1N1)pdm09 viruses predominating. The percentage of respiratory specimens testing positive for influenza in clinical laboratories increased.
• Pneumonia and Influenza Mortality: The proportion of deaths attributed to pneumonia and influenza (P&I) was below the system-specific epidemic threshold in the NCHS Mortality Surveillance System and above the system-specific epidemic threshold in the 122 Cities Mortality Reporting System.
• Influenza-associated Pediatric Deaths: No influenza-associated pediatric deaths were reported.
• Influenza-associated Hospitalizations: A cumulative rate for the season of 1.8 laboratory-confirmed influenza-associated hospitalizations per 100,000 population was reported.
• Outpatient Illness Surveillance: The proportion of outpatient visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) was 2.1%, which is at the national baseline of 2.1%. Six of 10 regions reported ILI at or above region-specific baseline levels. Puerto Rico experienced high ILI activity; three states experienced moderate ILI activity; New York City and four states experienced low ILI activity; 43 states experienced minimal ILI activity; and the District of Columbia had insufficient data.
• Geographic Spread of Influenza: The geographic spread of influenza in three states was reported as widespread; Puerto Rico and 10 states reported regional activity; Guam and 12 states reported local activity; the U.S. Virgin Islands and 24 states reported sporadic activity; and the District of Columbia and one state reported no influenza activity.

What's New? FluView - Weekly Influenza Surveillance Report Situation Update: Summary of Weekly FluView Report UPDATE: Total doses of flu vaccine distributed for 2015-16 season  Avian Influenza H7N8 Update Flu Activity Forecasting Website Launched

Weekly Influenza Surveillance

The most recent FluView report shows increasing flu activity in the United States. Further increases in activity are expected in the coming weeks. Flu activity most often peaks in February and can last into May. It is not too late to get your flu vaccine this season. Flu vaccines this season have been updated to better match circulating viruses and most circulating viruses so far are still like the recommended vaccine viruses for this season.

CDC recommends a yearly flu vaccine for everyone 6 months and older. Vaccination can reduce flu illnesses, doctors' visits, and missed work and school due to flu, as well as prevent flu-related hospitalizations. More than 145.6 million doses of flu vaccine have been distributed in the United States. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for protection to set in, making now the perfect time to get vaccinated. Find a Vaccine.

Learn More!