CDC: Influenza Activity Has Been Low, But Will Likely Increase Soon

Influenza activity across the United States was low in October and November, but will likely increase in the coming weeks, reaching its peak from December through February, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said in the December 14, 2018, Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. Five laboratory-confirmed influenza-related pediatric deaths have been reported since September 30, CDC said. The majority of influenza viruses characterized this season were genetically and antigenically similar to the reference virus used in developing the 2018-2019 flu vaccine, CDC said. Overall, the rate of influenza-associated hospitalization remains low and the percentages of deaths attributed to influenza and pneumonia this season are below epidemic thresholds.