Tag: Influenza

Guest Post: Flu Activity

By: Donna Lazorik, RN, MS
Deputy Program Manager for Program Development, Immunization Program
Massachusetts Dept. Public Health

National Flu Activity

Flu activity continues to increase in the U.S., according to CDC’s latest FluView report.  “Reports of influenza-like-illness (ILI) are nearing what have been peak levels during moderately severe seasons,” according to Dr. Joe Bresee, Chief of the Epidemiology and Prevention Branch in CDC’s Influenza Division.  “Anyone who has not already been vaccinated should do so now,”

While the timing of flu seasons is impossible to predict, based on past experience it’s likely that flu activity will continue for some time.  During the past 10 seasons, ILI remained at or above baseline for an average of 12 consecutive weeks.  One factor that may indicate increased severity this season is that the predominant circulating type of influenza virus is influenza A (H3N2) viruses, which account for about 76% of the viruses reported.  Bresee explains “typically ‘H3N2 seasons’ have been more severe, with higher numbers of hospitalizations and deaths, but we will have to see how the season plays out.” Continue reading “Guest Post: Flu Activity”