Via CIDRAP, Lisa Schnirring writes: CDC: flu rises sharply, now widespread in 36 states. Excerpt:
Flu activity rose sharply last week, with 36 states now reporting widespread circulation and other markers such as clinic visits for flu and positive respiratory specimens also showing steep increases, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said today in its latest update.
The new report underscores a warning that came from the CDC 2 days ago about steadily climbing flu dominated by H3N2, a subtype known for its heavy impact, especially on seniors and young children. Between that and known gaps in H3N2 protection in seasonal flu vaccines, the CDC also reminded providers that antiviral drugs are an important second line of defense in treating flu.
Closer look at rising US flu markers
In its report today, the CDC said since its last report, the number of states reporting widespread flu activity—encompassing a broad swath of the country—jumped from 23 to 36, and the proportion of respiratory samples testing positive for flu at clinical labs rose from 14% to 22.4%.
Nationally, the percentage of clinic visits for flu—which climbed from 3.5% to 5%—has been at or above the national baseline for 5 weeks so far this season, the CDC said, adding that in recent seasons, flu has been at those levels for an average of 13 weeks.
In its chart comparing clinic visits this year to the past five seasons, the pattern seems to be closely following the moderate-to-severe 2014-2015 season, which was also dominated by H3N2.
High flulike illness activity, another marker of clinic visits for flu, was reported in 21 states, with regional activity reported by 13 states and Puerto Rico.
Flu hospitalizations are rising steadily, and last week were at an overall rate of 8.7 hospitalizations per 100,000 population. The levels were much higher in seniors, at 35.8 per 100,000 population.
