Key indicators that track flu activity remain high but decreased for the second week in a row, according to the CDC FluView report for Week 8, ending Feb. 22, 2020. Severity indicators (hospitalizations and deaths) remain moderate to low overall, but hospitalization rates differ by age group, with high rates among children and young adults.
The percentage of respiratory specimens testing positive for influenza at clinical laboratories decreased from 29.7% last week to 26.4% this week.
Numbers of influenza B/Victoria and A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses are approximately equal for the season overall, with continued increases in influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses in recent weeks.
Visits to healthcare providers for influenza-like illness (ILI) decreased from 6.1% last week to 5.5% this week. All regions remain above their baselines.
The number of jurisdictions experiencing high ILI activity decreased slightly from 46 last week to 45 this week.
The number of jurisdictions reporting regional or widespread influenza activity decreased from 51 last week to 50 this week.
The overall cumulative hospitalization rate for the season increased to 52.7 per 100,000.
The percentage of deaths attributed to pneumonia and influenza is 6.9%, below the epidemic threshold of 7.3%.
20 influenza-associated pediatric deaths occurring during the 2019-2020 season were reported this week. The total for the season is 125.
Source: CDC
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