Is Flu Activity Easing Up?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported last week that influenza activity appears to continue to decrease in the United States. Less than 30 percent of specimens tested by U.S. World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Respiratory and Enteric Virus Surveillance System (NREVSS) collaborating laboratories were positive for influenza. However, the proportion of outpatient visits for influenza-like illness (ILI) and acute respiratory illness (ARI) was above national baseline levels. ILI decreased in seven of the nine regions compared to the previous week, but remained above region-specific baselines in all nine regions. The Mid-Atlantic and West North Central regions reported ARI at or above their region specific baselines.

Forty-seven states reported widespread influenza activity; three states reported regional influenza activity; and the District of Columbia reported local influenza activity.