Outpatients visits for a flulike illness increased as of Nov. 24 in the 2018-19 flu season, according to the CDC's most recent FluView report.
Here are five things to know:
1. U.S. flu activity remains low, but small increases in activity were reported. Influenza A (H1N1) viruses have been most commonly reported since Sept. 30.
2. Outpatient visits for influenza-like illness increased to 2.3 percent, 0.1 percent above the national baseline of 2.2 percent. Twenty-one states now report regional or local flu activity.
3. During the week ending Nov. 24, 28 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Island reported sporadic flu cases, which indicates a small number of cases confirmed by a laboratory.
4. The number of deaths linked to pneumonia and influenza fell below the system-specific epidemic threshold in the National Center for Health Statistics Mortality Surveillance System.
5. Two flu-associated pediatric deaths were reported Nov. 17.
More articles on clinical leadership and infection control:
South Carolina patients may need revaccination after hospital error
New Jersey lawmakers look into outbreaks that killed 14 children
U of Wisconsin hospital Legionnaires' patient dies; 5th case identified