Investigators Provide Update on Influenza Activity from October Through Early February
Budd, et al. (2018) report in MMWR that influenza activity in the United States began to increase in early November 2017 and rose sharply from December through Feb. 3, 2018; elevated influenza activity is expected to continue for several more weeks.
Budd, et al. (2018) report in MMWR that influenza activity in the United States began to increase in early November 2017 and rose sharply from December through February 3, 2018; elevated influenza activity is expected to continue for several more weeks. Influenza A viruses have been most commonly identified, with influenza A(H3N2) viruses predominating, but influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 and influenza B viruses were also reported.
U.S., World Health Organization (WHO) and National Respiratory and Enteric Virus Surveillance System laboratories, which include both public health and clinical laboratories throughout the 50 U.S. states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia, contribute to virologic surveillance for influenza. During Oct. 1, 2017 through Feb. 3, 2018, clinical laboratories tested 666,493 specimens for influenza virus, 124,316 (18.7%) of which tested positive. During this period, the percentage of specimens testing positive for any influenza virus increased to 26.4% during the week ending Jan. 13. The percentage of specimens testing positive for influenza A viruses peaked at 21.8% during the week ending January 13; however, the percentage testing positive for influenza B viruses continued to increase through the week ending February 3, during which 8.1% of specimens tested were positive for influenza B.
To read further in the MMWR, CLICK HERE.
Reference: Budd AP, Wentworth DE, et al. Update: Influenza Activity - United States, October 1, 2017–February 3, 2018. MMWR. Vol. 67, No. 6. Feb. 16, 2018.
A Helping Hand: Innovative Approaches to Expanding Hand Hygiene Programs in Acute Care Settings
July 9th 2025Who knew candy, UV lights, and a college kid in scrubs could double hand hygiene adherence? A Pennsylvania hospital’s creative shake-up of its infection prevention program shows that sometimes it takes more than soap to get hands clean—and keep them that way.
Broadening the Path: Diverse Educational Routes Into Infection Prevention Careers
July 4th 2025Once dominated by nurses, infection prevention now welcomes professionals from public health, lab science, and respiratory therapy—each bringing unique expertise that strengthens patient safety and IPC programs.
How Contaminated Is Your Stretcher? The Hidden Risks on Hospital Wheels
July 3rd 2025Despite routine disinfection, hospital surfaces, such as stretchers, remain reservoirs for harmful microbes, according to several recent studies. From high-touch areas to damaged mattresses and the effectiveness of antimicrobial coatings, researchers continue to uncover persistent risks in environmental hygiene, highlighting the critical need for innovative, continuous disinfection strategies in health care settings.
