This article appeared in Forbes. Read the full story here.
There is a bit of good news coming out of the Center for Disease Control (CDC). The Weekly U.S. Influenza Surveillance Report for Week 8 ending on February 22nd has found that, while outpatient Influenza-like illnesses and clinical laboratory data remain elevated, the percentage of positive cases of the flu have decreased from 29.7% for Week 7 to 26.4% for Week 8, which may signal that Flu Season in the US is finally thinking about coming to an end. Similarly, the percentage of specimens testing positive for both influenza A and influenza B viruses have decreased and visits to healthcare providers for influenza-like illness decreased from 6.1% to 5.5% over the week.
These numbers however should in no way deter Americans from getting their flu shot as we are far from in the clear yet, especially for among children 0-4 years old whose rates of Influenza are the highest they have been since the second wave of the 2009 H1N1 pandemic.
This year’s flu season has hit hard, but luckily Pneumonia and Influenza mortality rates have been low. That being said, 125 influenza-associated deaths in children have been reported so far this season. The number of pediatric deaths for this season are higher since reporting began in 2004-05, with the exception of the 2009 pandemic.
The CDC also published interim estimates of 2019-2020 flu vaccine effectiveness last week, finding that so far this season, flu vaccines are reducing doctor’s visits for flu illness by 45% overall and 55% in children. While much of the recent public concern has been focused on the Coronavirus the CDC is urging Americans to stay vigilant about preventing the Flu and get vaccinated.