Laboratory-confirmed flu activity as reported by clinical laboratories continues to decrease; however, influenza-like illness activity is increasing. 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 12, ending March 21, 2020.

The percentage of respiratory specimens testing positive for influenza at clinical laboratories decreased from 14.9% last week to 6.9% 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 5.6% last week to 6.4% this week. All regions are above their baselines.

The number of jurisdictions experiencing high ILI activity decreased from 40 last week to 37 this week.

The number of jurisdictions reporting regional or widespread influenza activity decreased from 50 last week to 49 this week.

The overall cumulative hospitalization rate for the season increased to 67.3 per 100,000.

The percentage of deaths attributed to pneumonia and influenza is 7.4%, above the epidemic threshold of 7.3%.

6 influenza-associated pediatric deaths occurring during the 2019-2020 season were reported this week. The total for the season is 155.

Source: CDC