These drops could be attributable to holiday-induced slowdowns; therefore, CDC is keeping an eye out for an increase in activity after each of the major holidays has concluded.
Fluvirus as seen through transmission electron microscopy
imaging; viral diameter ranges
between 80 to 120nm.
Key indicators of seasonal flu activity saw a reduction during the first week of 2019, suggesting
an apparent relief from high respiratory virus transmission levels this season--but the reduction
may only be temporary.
On Friday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released their most recent flu data
for the week ending January 6. Outpatient visits related to influenza-like illnesses (ILI)
decreased dramatically that week - marking their first decrease after several weeks of steady
increases - with flu test positivity declining slightly and hospitalizations also showing slight
reduction.
CDC reports it is keeping an eye out for "an increase in influenza activity that typically follows
after winter holidays".
Flu isn't the only virus showing some relief in recent data reports; COVID-19 also experienced
slight dips. According to the CDC, rates had stabilized or in some instances decreased after
multiple weeks of steady increases
CDC researchers believe some of the declines may be attributable to individuals forgoing
medical attention during holiday-season visits as they would normally. COVID-19 wastewater
activity levels continue to show strong or rising activity across all regions, with South and
Midwest regions showing more elevated or increasing activity than their Midwest and Northeast
counterparts - although recent data indicate some slowing in these increases over time.
RSV activity remains high; however, in certain regions declines are being seen.
CDC notes it is never too late to get vaccinated against COVID-19, flu and RSV; currently 21%
of adult have received the 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccination and 41.5 of people 65 or over have
taken advantage of it so far. Since September alone 363,000 have died from this virus here.
As for influenza vaccinations, approximately 47 percent of adults, including 74% of people ages
65+ have received their annual shots this season; 74% among people over age 65 received
them as well. On Thursday, Canadian researchers published the initial estimates of vaccine
effectiveness this season; it found the current annual shots are currently 61% effective against
A(H1N1)pdm09 flu circulating throughout the US while only 49 % are effective against less
frequent strains such as A(H3N2). They are 75 % effective against influenza B strains circulating
around.
CDC reports at least 14 million flu cases this season so far; 150,000 hospitalizations; 9,400
fatalities due to flu have also occurred so far; with 13 children dying this past week alone from
flu infection bringing this year's total up to 40.
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