Laboratory-confirmed flu activity as reported by clinical laboratories continued to decrease; however, influenza-like illness activity increased. Influenza severity indicators remain moderate to low overall, but hospitalization rates differ by age group, with high rates among children and young adults, according to the CDC's FluView report for Week 11, ending March 14, 2020

The percentage of respiratory specimens testing positive for influenza at clinical laboratories decreased from 21.1% last week to 15.3% this week.

Nationally, influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses are now the most commonly reported influenza viruses this season.

Visits to healthcare providers for influenza-like illness (ILI) increased from 5.2% last week to 5.8% this week. All regions are above their baselines.

The overall cumulative hospitalization rate for the season increased to 65.1 per 100,000.

The percentage of deaths attributed to pneumonia and influenza is 7.1%, below the epidemic threshold of 7.3%.

5 influenza-associated pediatric deaths occurring during the 2019-2020 season were reported this week. The total for the season is 149.

Source: CDC