Flu activity continues to decrease nationwide as the 2018-19 flu season nears an end, according to the CDC's most recent FluView report.
Six things to know:
1. The percentage of outpatient visits for influenza-like illness dropped to 1.6 percent for the week ending May 4, which falls below the national baseline of 2.2 percent.
2. Two states reported low activity for the week ending May 4. The District of Columbia and 48 states experienced minimal activity.
3. The CDC confirmed 453 positive specimens for influenza A — down from 750 specimens a week prior. The agency also confirmed 233 positive specimens for influenza B, marking a 43-case drop from the previous week.
4. The overall flu-associated hospitalization rate increased from 64.7 per 100,000 people for the week ending April 27 to 65.7 per 100,000 people for the week ending May 4.
5. Five pediatric flu deaths were reported to the CDC for the week ending May 4, bringing the total count to 106 for the 2018-19 season.
6. Flu was still widespread in two states for the week ending May 4. Puerto Rico and seven states reported regional flu activity; 18 states reported local flu activity; and Washington, D.C., and 22 states reported sporadic activity.
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