Flu Activity Remains Low Nationally, Says CDC

According to the Nov. 8 update from the CDC’s “Weekly US Influenza Surveillance Report: Key Updates for Week 44, ending November 2, 2024,” seasonal influenza activity remains low on a national level, although there are slight increases in pediatric age groups.

Other key details from the report include:

• Percent positivity for influenza has trended upward slightly during the past few weeks and the percentage of emergency department visits for influenza increased slightly among pediatric age groups this week.
• During Week 44, of the 134 viruses reported by public health laboratories, 127 (94.8%) were influenza A and 7 (5.2%) were influenza B. Of the 105 influenza A viruses subtyped during Week 44, 55 (52.4%) were influenza A(H1N1)pdm09, 46 (43.8%) were A(H3N2), and 4 (3.8%) were A(H5).
• Seven confirmed and four probable human infections with influenza A(H5) viruses were reported to CDC this week. To date, human-to-human transmission of influenza A(H5) virus has not been identified in the United States.
• The first influenza-associated pediatric death occurring during the 2024-2025 season was reported this week. Also, one pediatric death occurring during the 2023-2024 season was reported this week. This brings last season's total to 204 influenza associated pediatric deaths.
• CDC recommends that everyone ages 6 months and older get an annual influenza (flu) vaccine.
• There are prescription flu antiviral drugs that can treat flu illness; those should be started as early as possible and are especially important for higher risk patients.
• Influenza viruses are among several viruses contributing to respiratory disease activity. CDC is providing updated, integrated information about COVID-19, flu, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity on a weekly basis.