By NewsDesk @infectiousdiseasenews
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports widespread flu activity in 49 states and Puerto Rico and and, after falling during the first two weeks of the year, increased over the last two weeks. High flu activity is expected to continue for weeks.
They estimate that so far this season there have been at least 19 million flu illnesses, 180,000 hospitalizations and 10,000 deaths from flu.
68 influenza-associated pediatric deaths have been reported to date this season, with about 2/3s due to influenza B viruses and the remainder due to influenza A viruses.
Nationally influenza B/Victoria viruses have been reported more frequently than other influenza viruses this season. However, during recent weeks, influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses have been reported more frequently than B/Victoria viruses. The predominant virus varies by region.
The best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get vaccinated every year, the CDC reminds. Flu vaccine effectiveness estimates are not available yet this season.
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