The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is reporting an overall slight increase in flu activity in the country. Several flu activity indicators were higher than is typically seen for this time of year.
Seven states (Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Oklahoma, and Virginia) reported widespread flu activity, 18 states reported regional flu activity and 18 states reported local influenza activity. Three states experienced high ILI activity (Louisiana, Mississippi, and South Carolina).
The proportion of people seeing their health care provider for influenza-like-illness (ILI) has been at or above the national baseline for two weeks this season. Influenza A(H3N2) viruses were most commonly reported during week 48 (the week ending December 2, 2017) and have been the predominant virus so far this season.
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Flu vaccine is the best available way to protect against influenza. CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older get an injectable flu vaccine as soon as possible.
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