CDC: Flu Hospitalization Rate Surpasses 2014-2015 Season

The flu hospitalization rate rose last week to 74.5 per 100,000 people, surpassing the rate at the end of the 2014-2015 flu season, another severe season when the H3N2 strain also predominated. H3N2 viruses are associated with more hospitalizations and deaths in older adults and young children. A total of 97 flu-associated pediatric deaths have been reported nationally this season, and 21,279 flu hospitalizations in the 13 states reporting data to CDC’s surveillance network. All states but Hawaii and Oregon continue to report widespread flu activity. CDC recommends treating all hospitalized, severely ill and high-risk patients who have suspected or confirmed influenza with antiviral medications as soon as possible. The agency also continues to recommend flu vaccination for everyone aged 6 months and older, as flu viruses are likely to continue circulating for weeks.