Seasonal influenza activity in the United States has been elevated for four weeks and continues to increase, according to the CDC's FluView report for Week 48, ending Nov. 30, 2019

10.2% of respiratory specimens tested by clinical laboratories were positive for influenza viruses. This is higher than the previous week.

Nationally, B/Victoria viruses are most common followed by A(H1N1)pdm09 and A(H3N2) viruses, but the predominant virus varies by region and age group.

Genetic and antigenic characterization and antiviral susceptibility of viruses collected in the U.S. this season is now being reported.

3.5% of visits to healthcare providers were for influenza-like illness (ILI). ILI has been at or above the national baseline of 2.4% for four weeks. Nine of 10 regions were at or above their baselines.

The number of jurisdictions experiencing high ILI activity increased to 13 this week, compared to 8 last week. In addition, 15 jurisdictions had moderate activity compared to 7 last week.

The number of jurisdictions reporting regional or widespread activity increased to 24 this week from 15 last week.

The overall hospitalization rate for the season is 2.7 per 100,000. This is similar to what has been seen at this time during other recent seasons.

4.8% of deaths were attributed to pneumonia and influenza (P&I). This is below the epidemic threshold of 6.4%.

One new influenza-associated pediatric death occurring during the 2019-2020 season was reported to CDC this week. The total for the season to date is 6.

Source: CDC