Influenza (flu) activity continues to increase in the United States, with high rates of influenza-like illness (ILI) and even fifteen (15) flu-associated pediatric deaths being reported across the country as of February 3, 2017. The percentage of patients seeing their physician for ILI has been at or above the national baseline since late December, with influenza A (H3) viruses being mainly responsible for those visits.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyone six months of age and older receive an annual flu vaccination. With flu activity continuing, anyone who has not yet received this year’s flu shot is encouraged to get it.