The percentage of influenza activity among clinical tests have begun to drop, according to the latest influenza surveillance report from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for the ninth week of flu season, between February 26 and March 4. However, the flu continues to remain elevated nationwide.
3.6 percent of outpatients showed influenza-like illness (ILI), a drop from 4.8 percent during week eight of the flu season, according to the outpatient Influenza-like Illness Surveillance Network.
Eight more pediatric deaths caused by influenza were reported by the CDC, bringing the total of influenza-associated pediatric death to 48 for the 2016-2017 season.
Fourteen states continue to experience high ILI activity.
The CDC continues to recommend flu vaccinations for people 6 months of age or older, along with daily cleaning such as hand washing and disinfection practices. To see the full report from the CDC, click here.