Flu activity remains "elevated" in the United States, but it is beginning to show signs of easing, according to fresh federal data released Friday.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) classified the 2024-25 flu season as a "high" severity season across all age groups, making it the first high-severity season since 2017-2018.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) classified the 2024-25 flu season as a "high" severity season across all age groups, making it the first high-severity season since 2017-2018.
According to CDC data, 6.8% of visits to doctors' offices were for flu-like illness in the week ending February 15, down from 7.7% the preceding two weeks.
Flu-related emergency room visits declined to 6.4% in the week ending February 15, down from more than 8% the previous two weeks.
In addition, 26.9% of flu tests were positive during the week ending February 15. This is greater than the 18.2% peak from the previous flu season but lower than the 31.4% observed in the previous two weeks.
In addition, 26.9% of flu tests were positive during the week ending February 15. This is greater than the 18.2% peak from the previous flu season but lower than the 31.4% observed in the previous two weeks.
The CDC predicts that there have been at least 33 million illnesses, 430,000 hospitalizations, and 19,000 fatalities from flu so far this season.
So far, at least 86 pediatric flu deaths have been documented, 18 of which occurred in the week ending February 15.
It comes as overall respiratory illness activity is classified as "high" nationwide, according to CDC data.
As of Friday, nine states had "very high" levels of respiratory virus activity, while 14 were "high." The remaining states have either "moderate" or "low" levels.
So far, at least 86 pediatric flu deaths have been documented, 18 of which occurred in the week ending February 15.
It comes as overall respiratory illness activity is classified as "high" nationwide, according to CDC data.
As of Friday, nine states had "very high" levels of respiratory virus activity, while 14 were "high." The remaining states have either "moderate" or "low" levels.
Last week, 12 states were categorized as "very high" and 20 states as "high".
Meanwhile, while COVID-19 activity is "elevated" in many parts of the United States, CDC data reveal that emergency room visits are low, and the number of positive laboratory tests is consistent.
According to the CDC, respiratory syncytial virus activity is "elevated" but dropping in the majority of the United States.
Public health experts suggest that children and adults get the flu and COVID vaccines and that older individuals get the RSV vaccination, although coverage is "low," according to the CDC.
According to the CDC, respiratory syncytial virus activity is "elevated" but dropping in the majority of the United States.
Public health experts suggest that children and adults get the flu and COVID vaccines and that older individuals get the RSV vaccination, although coverage is "low," according to the CDC.
As of February 8, only 45.3% of adults had received flu vaccinations, while 23.1% had received the upgraded 2024-25 COVID-19 vaccines. Furthermore, just 46.7% of persons aged 75 and up had received the RSV vaccine, according to CDC statistics.
Nearly half of all children have been immunized against the flu (45.8%), but just 12.1% have gotten the latest COVID-19 vaccine.
Nearly half of all children have been immunized against the flu (45.8%), but just 12.1% have gotten the latest COVID-19 vaccine.
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