Flu activity fell slightly in the week ending March 9, but still remains high, according to the CDC's most recent FluView report.
Six things to know:
1. The percentage of outpatient visits for influenza-like illness fell to 4.5 percent for the week ending March 9, which is still higher than the national baseline of 2.2 percent. All 10 U.S. regions reported influenza-like illness at or above their region-specific baseline level.
2. The CDC confirmed 10,296 positive respiratory specimens for influenza A and 295 positive specimens for influenza B in the week ending March 9. The agency has confirmed 124,283 positive specimens since Sep. 30, 2018.
3. The overall flu-associated hospitalization rate increased from 36.6 per 100,000 for the week ending March 2 to 41.3 per 100,00 for the week ending March 9. The CDC reported 11,922 laboratory-confirmed flu-associated hospitalizations between Oct. 1, 2018, and March 9.
4. Thirty states experienced high influenza-like illness activity for the week ending March 9. Eleven states reported moderate activity; five states and the District of Columbia experienced low activity; and four states and Puerto Rico experienced minimal activity.
5. Four pediatric flu deaths were reported to the CDC for the week ending March 9, bringing the total count to 68 for the 2018-19 season.
6. Forty-six states and Puerto Rico reported widespread flu activity for the week ending March 9. Four states reported regional flu activity, and the District of Columbia reported local flu activity.
More articles on clinical leadership & infection control:
Delaying flu shots until October could prevent 22K illnesses, study finds
Flu shot, spray OK for 2019-20 season, American Academy of Pediatrics says
Surgical outcomes vary across health systems with top hospitals, study finds