Key indicators that track flu activity remain high but decreased for the third week in a row, according to the CDC's FluView report for Week 9, ending Feb. 29, 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 28.0% last week to 24.3% 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) decreased from 5.5% last week to 5.3% this week. All regions remain above their baselines.

The number of jurisdictions experiencing high ILI activity decreased from 45 last week to 42 this week.

The number of jurisdictions reporting regional or widespread influenza activity increased from 50 last week to 51 this week.

The overall cumulative hospitalization rate for the season increased to 57.9 per 100,000.

The percentage of deaths attributed to pneumonia and influenza is 6.9%, below the epidemic threshold of 7.3%.

11 influenza-associated pediatric deaths occurring during the 2019-2020 season were reported this week. The total for the season is 136.

Source: CDC