Key indicators that track flu activity remain high, but indicators that track severity (hospitalizations and deaths) are not high at this point in the season, according to the CDC's FluView report for Week 1, ending Jan. 4, 2020.

The percentage of respiratory specimens testing positive for influenza at clinical laboratories decreased from 26.4% last week to 23.3% this week.

Nationally, B/Victoria viruses are most common followed by A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses. The predominant virus varies by region and age group. There is low circulation of A(H3N2) and B/Yamagata viruses.

Visits to healthcare providers for influenza-like illness (ILI) decreased from 7.0% last week to 5.8% this week. All regions remain above their baselines.

The number of jurisdictions experiencing high ILI activity decreased from 37 last week to 36 this week.

The number of jurisdictions reporting regional or widespread influenza activity increased to 50 this week compared to 48 last week.

The overall hospitalization rate for the season increased to 14.6 per 100,000. This is similar to what has been seen at this time during recent seasons.

The percentage of deaths attributed to pneumonia and influenza is 5.8% which is below the epidemic threshold.

Five new influenza-associated pediatric deaths occurring during the 2019-2020 season were reported this week. The total for the season is 32.

Source: CDC