(LOOTPRESS) – Flu activity is continuing to surge across the United States, with new federal data showing steep increases in illnesses, hospitalizations and deaths as the virus spreads rapidly across most of the country.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that as of December 27 there have been at least 11 million flu cases nationwide this season, along with roughly 120,000 hospitalizations and 5,000 deaths. Nine pediatric deaths have been linked to the flu, according to the agency.
Outpatient visits for flu-like symptoms have also climbed sharply. The CDC reports that 8.2% of doctor visits nationwide last week were related to flu or respiratory illness — the highest level recorded since 1997.
Forty-eight jurisdictions are now experiencing “high” or “very high” flu activity, up from 32 the previous week. Only four jurisdictions are reporting low or minimal levels, while Nevada was listed as having insufficient data.
Health officials say a fast-spreading subtype of influenza A, known as H3N2, is driving much of this year’s surge. Of 994 positive flu samples collected between December 20 and December 27, 971 were identified as influenza A. Among the 600 samples that were subtyped, 91.2% were confirmed to be H3N2.
Experts warn that H3N2 is associated with more severe flu seasons, particularly among older adults, and may be harder for the immune system to recognize.
The spike in illness comes as fewer Americans appear to be getting vaccinated. The CDC estimates that about 130 million flu vaccine doses have been administered so far this year.
At the same time, the agency recently announced updates to its recommended childhood vaccination schedule, including new guidance encouraging “shared clinical decision-making” between families and physicians for flu vaccination among children who are not considered high-risk.
The move has drawn criticism from major medical organizations. The American Academy of Pediatrics called the changes “dangerous,” while Dr. Ronald G. Nahass, president of the Infectious Diseases Society of America, warned that the revisions could add to public uncertainty.
“Making these changes amid ongoing outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases shows a disregard for the real confusion families already face,” Nahass said in a statement.
Public health officials continue to urge flu vaccination and caution that activity may continue to rise in the weeks ahead as the virus remains widespread across much of the country.
