The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that while flu season is winding down, a second strain that is more severe in younger children remains prevalent.
In an update, the CDC says that reports of the influenza A virus are on the decline while reports of the influenza B virus were more prevalent. A spokesperson for the CDC told CNN that influenza B can be “just as severe” as influenza A, and that “we also know that influenza B tends to be more severe for younger children.”
As of its latest update, the CDC reports that flu-related child deaths are up to 133 for the 2017-2018 flu season. There were five pediatric deaths reported between March 10 and March 17 related to influenza B, and one related to influenza A. During this week, 2.7 percent of patients visiting a doctor’s office complained of flu-like symptoms.
Michigan, and most of the Midwest, is listed as having low to minimal flu activity as of the CDC’s most recent update from the week ending on March 17.
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