CDC Influenza News and Highlights: Updated Vaccine Effectiveness, FAQs

["Centers for Disease Control & Prevention" <cdc@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Title: CDC Influenza News and Highlights: Updated Vaccine Effectiveness, FAQs

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

View the Latest Influenza Information From This Week.

Having trouble viewing this email? View it as a Web page.

Influenza (Flu)

www.cdc.gov/flu 

Saving Lives. Protecting People. ^TM

CDC Influenza News and Highlights
March 13, 2015

What's New?

FluView - Weekly Influenza Surveillance Report

Watch Gigi's Story

UPDATED: Selecting Viruses for the Seasonal Influenza Vaccine

Weekly Influenza Surveillance

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.

Learn More!

Influenza-Related Questions & Answers

• What You Should Know for the 2014-2015 Influenza Season
• Seasonal Influenza Q&A
• Seasonal Influenza Vaccine Supply for the U.S. 2014-2015 Influenza Season

More Q&As

Why CDC Recommends Influenza Antiviral Drugs

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.

Learn More!

CDC Presents Updated Estimates of Flu Vaccine Effectiveness for the 2014-2015 Season

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%).

Learn More!

Content source: National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases

The CDC has reached 1 million email subscribers. Thank you for your support.

Modify/Update Subscriber Preferences or Unsubscribe | Learn about CDC Updates

Questions or problems? Please contact support@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx.

---

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)