|
View the Latest Influenza Information From This Week.
|
| Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page. |
|
Influenza (Flu)
 |
|
|
|
|
CDC Influenza News and Highlights
March 6, 2015
|
|
|
|
|
|
Flu activity is still elevated in the United States but is declining. It is possible, however, that flu activity will continue for several weeks in parts of the country.
While H3N2 viruses remain most common, an increase in influenza B viruses has been detected in some parts of the country. This season has been severe for people 65 years and older, with very high hospitalization rates being recorded.
Influenza antiviral drugs can treat flu illness. CDC recommends these drugs be used to treat people who are very sick or who are at high risk of serious flu-related complications who have flu symptoms. Early antiviral treatment works best.
|
| |
|
|
|
Influenza activity in the United States began to increase in mid-November, remained elevated through February 21, 2015, and is expected to continue for several more weeks. To date, influenza A (H3N2) viruses have predominated overall. As has been observed in previous seasons during which influenza A (H3N2) viruses predominated, adults aged ≥65 years have been most severely affected. The cumulative laboratory-confirmed influenza-associated hospitalization rate among adults aged ≥65 years is the highest recorded since this type of surveillance began in 2005.
|
| |
|
|
| |
|
 The 2014-2015 flu season has been a difficult one for a number of reasons, including circulation of H3N2 viruses which are typically associated with more severe flu seasons, and reduced vaccine effectiveness because circulating H3N2 viruses are different or have “drifted” from the H3N2 virus used to make vaccine. A number of media and online outlets have inquired about the public health rationale behind CDC’s influenza antiviral recommendations. This statement provides background information and explains the rationale for CDC's influenza antiviral recommendations.
|
| |
|
|
On February 26, 2015, updated interim influenza (flu) vaccine effectiveness (VE) estimates for the current 2014-2015 season were presented to the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). The updated VE estimate against influenza A H3N2 viruses was 18% (95% confidence interval (CI): 6%-29%).This result is similar to the VE point estimate of 23%, which was reported in a January 16 Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) and confirms reduced protection against H3N2 viruses this season. The VE estimate against influenza B viruses this season was 45% (95% CI: 14% – 65%).
|
| |
|
|
| Content source: National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases |
|
| This email was sent to list-cdc@xxxxxxxxxxx using GovDelivery,on behalf of: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention • 1600 Clifton Rd • Atlanta, GA 30333 • 1-800-CDC-INFO (800-232-4636) |
 |
|
