Overall influenza activity increased slightly during the week ending Dec. 2, according to the CDC's most recent update on flu activity for the 2017-18 flu season published Friday.
Here are five things to know.
1. The CDC reported two additional pediatric flu deaths in the update, increasing the total number of influenza-associated pediatric deaths to seven for the 2017-18 flu season. The agency tallied a total of 110 such deaths for last year's flu season.
2. The percentage of respiratory specimens that tested positive for influenza in clinical laboratories rose slightly the week ending Dec. 2. The most frequently identified virus type in positive specimens continued to be influenza A with 5,322 total positive tests for the season. Additionally, the CDC reported 1,856 positive tests for influenza B for the current flu season as of Dec. 2.
3. The percentage of outpatient visits for influenza-like illness was 2.3 percent for the week. This figure sits above the national baseline of 2.2 percent.
4. Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Oklahoma and Virginia all reported widespread flu activity for the week. Puerto Rico and 18 states reported regional activity; 18 states reported local flu activity; and Washington, D.C., the U.S. Virgin Islands and seven states reported sporadic flu activity. Guam did not give the CDC a report on flu activity for the week ending Dec. 2.
5. The number of deaths related to pneumonia and influenza for the week remained below epidemic thresholds.
More articles on infection control:
Mother of 2 dies days after contracting flu
Survey: 59% of college students think flu shot can cause flu
WHO updates surveillance guidance for global flu pandemic: 3 things to know