Flu season longest in 10 years

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is reporting that the U.S. has experienced 21 consecutive weeks of elevated flu activity, making this the longest flu season in a decade, according to an article on the Becker’s Clinical Leadership and Infection Control website.

Flu was still widespread in five states for the week ending April 20. Puerto Rico and 17 states reported regional flu activity; 19 states reported local flu activity; and Washington, D.C., and nine states reported sporadic activity.

The percentage of outpatient visits for influenza-like illness decreased to 2.1 percent for the week ending April 20, marking the first time this figure falls below the national baseline since November 2018.

The overall flu-associated hospitalization rate increased from 62.3 per 100,000 people for the week ending April 13.

Read the article.