By NewsDesk @infectiousdiseasenews
In the United States, influenza activity remains elevated and widespread, and the season is likely to last several more weeks, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
As of January 4, CDC estimates there have been at least 9.7 million flu illnesses, 87,000 hospitalizations and 4,800 deaths from flu this season to date.
CDC reports ongoing elevated activity is due to influenza B/Victoria viruses, increasing circulation of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses, and low levels of influenza B/Yamagata and influenza A(H3N2) viruses.
So far this season, influenza B virus infections account for about half of hospitalizations reported through CDC’s laboratory-confirmed influenza hospitalization surveillance network and the majority of reported influenza-associated pediatric deaths.
Health officials say it’s not too late to get vaccinated. Flu vaccination is always the best way to prevent flu and its potentially serious complications.
Antiviral medications are an important adjunct to flu vaccine in the control of influenza. Almost all (>99%) of the influenza viruses tested this season are susceptible to the four FDA-approved influenza antiviral medications recommended for use in the U.S. this season.
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