Lots of sick folks around you these days? Flu season has kicked into high gear in the US. Wash your hands frequently & block that cough!

This past week noted an increase in flu activity across the U.S.

• The geographic spread of influenza in 37 states was reported as widespread; nine states reported regional influenza activity; the District of Columbia reported local activity, and Guam, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and four states reported sporadic influenza activity.

• The proportion of deaths attributed to pneumonia and influenza (P&I) was at the epidemic threshold.

• 90% of the U.S. reported ILI at or above region-specific baseline levels. Nineteen states experienced high ILI activity and nine states experienced moderate ILI activity.

• The proportion of outpatient visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) was 4.6%, which is above the national baseline of 2.5%.
• The primary virus circulating is H3 however the 2009 H1N1 virus is also in the mix along with other A and B viruses.
• From October 3, 2010 – February 5, 2011, 5,777 laboratory-confirmed influenza associated hospitalizations and 86 laboratory-confirmed influenza associated deaths were reported to CDC.
• There has been a total of 30 pediatric deaths, 11 reported to CDC during week five.  Of the 30 deaths:

1. Twelve were associated with influenza B viruses
2. Nine deaths reported were associated with influenza A (H3) viruses
3. Three were associated with 2009 influenza A (H1N1) viruses,
4. Six were associated with an influenza A virus for which the subtype was not determined.

Be smart….wash your hands frequently, block your cough using your arm or elbow, and stay home if you are sick.  And as your Mom always said, get plenty of rest, eat well, exercise and try a bit of chicken soup if all else fails!

😉

http://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/