Percent positivity for influenza has trended upward slightly during the past few weeks and the percentage of emergency department visits for influenza increased slightly among pediatric age groups this week.
During Week 44, of the 134 viruses reported by public health laboratories, 127 (94.8%) were influenza A and 7 (5.2%) were influenza B. Of the 105 influenza A viruses subtyped during Week 44, 55 (52.4%) were influenza A(H1N1)pdm09, 46 (43.8%) were A(H3N2), and 4 (3.8%) were A(H5).
Seven confirmed and four probable human infections with influenza A(H5) viruses were reported to CDC this week. To date, human-to-human transmission of influenza A(H5) virus has not been identified in the United States.
The first influenza-associated pediatric death occurring during the 2024-2025 season was reported this week. Also, one pediatric death occurring during the 2023-2024 season was reported this week. This brings last season's total to 204 influenza associated pediatric deaths.
CDC recommends that everyone ages 6 months and older get an annual influenza (flu) vaccine.
There are prescription flu antiviral drugs that can treat flu illness; those should be started as early as possible and are especially important for higher risk patients.
Influenza viruses are among several viruses contributing to respiratory disease activity. CDC is providing updated, integrated information about COVID-19, flu, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity on a weekly basis.
