21 Feb 2020

CDC: Over 100 pediatric flu deaths this season

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While the coronavirus may be concerning, the flu should be more worrisome,  with 105 pediatric deaths reported so far in the U.S.

According to the CDC, 13 influenza-associated pediatric deaths occurring during the 2019-2020 season between weeks 2 and 7 (the weeks ending January 11, 2020, and February 15, 2020).

Of the 105 influenza-associated pediatric deaths occurring during the 2019-2020 season and reported to CDC:

  • 72 deaths were associated with influenza B viruses, and 12 had a lineage determined; all were B/Victoria viruses.
  • 33 deaths were associated with influenza A viruses, and 20 were subtyped; 19 were A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses and one was an A(H3) virus.

On a regional level, the percentage of outpatient visits for Influenza-like Illness (ILI) ranged from 3.4% to 9.7% during week 7. All regions reported a percentage of outpatient visits for ILI above their region-specific baselines.

ILI Activity Map

During week 7, the following ILI activity levels were experienced:

  • High – New York City, Puerto Rico, and 44 states (Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming)
  • Moderate – the District of Columbia and four states (Arizona, Delaware, Florida, and Nevada)
  • Low – the U.S. Virgin Islands
  • Minimal – two states (Alaska and Idaho)
Image courtesy of the CDC

Click here to see current flu activity and surveillance.

The CDC says Flu signs and symptoms usually come on suddenly. People who are sick with flu often feel some or all of these symptoms:

  • Fever* or feeling feverish/chills
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headaches
  • Fatigue (tiredness)
  • Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.

*It’s important to note that not everyone with flu will have a fever.

Click here to learn more.

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