LOS ANGELES – In the United States, the latest estimates released by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Friday reveal that there have been at least 3.7 million cases of influenza, leading to 38,000 hospitalizations and 2,300 deaths so far this season.
The CDC’s weekly review indicates elevated seasonal influenza activity across most parts of the country, with the southeast, south-central, and west coast regions reporting the highest levels of activity. The number of weekly flu-related hospital admissions continues to rise.
As of the week ending December 9, two influenza-associated pediatric deaths were reported, bringing the total for the 2023-2024 season to 14 pediatric deaths, according to the CDC.
To mitigate the impact of the flu, the CDC strongly recommends that everyone aged 6 months and older receive an annual flu vaccine.