Among these, 27,669 tested positive for influenza virus, including 23,257 (84.1%) for influenza A and 4,412 (15.9%) for influenza B viruses ( Figure 2). Public health laboratories tested 51,014 specimens collected during October 1, 2017–February 3, 2018. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Regions § 6, 7, 9, and 10 but has continued to increase or remain level in the remaining regions (Regions 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 8) through the week ending February 3. On a regional level, the percentage of specimens testing positive for any influenza virus has decreased for 2 or more consecutive weeks in U.S. The percentage of specimens testing positive for influenza A viruses peaked at 21.8% during the week ending January 13 however, the percentage testing positive for influenza B viruses continued to increase through the week ending February 3, during which 8.1% of specimens tested were positive for influenza B.
During this period, the percentage of specimens testing positive for any influenza virus increased to 26.4% during the week ending January 13 and remained at approximately that level (26.3%–26.7%) through the week ending February 3, 2018. During October 1, 2017–February 3, 2018, clinical laboratories tested 666,493 specimens for influenza virus, 124,316 (18.7%) of which tested positive ( Figure 1). states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia, contribute to virologic surveillance for influenza. World Health Organization (WHO) and National Respiratory and Enteric Virus Surveillance System laboratories, which include both public health and clinical laboratories throughout the 50 U.S.
Early treatment with neuraminidase inhibitor antiviral medications is recommended for patients with severe, complicated, or progressive influenza illness and those at higher risk for influenza complications, including adults aged ≥65 years who develop influenza symptoms. In influenza seasons with increased severity, influenza antiviral medications are an increasingly important adjunct to vaccination in the treatment of influenza. With several more weeks of elevated influenza activity expected, the increasing proportion of influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 and influenza B viruses, and the potential to prevent significant illness through influenza vaccination, CDC continues to recommend influenza vaccination at this time. What are the implications for public health practice?
Elevated influenza activity is expected to continue for several more weeks. Influenza illness this season has been substantial, with some of the highest levels of influenza-like illness and hospitalization rates in recent years, and elevated activity occurring in most of the country simultaneously. Influenza A viruses have been most commonly identified, with influenza A(H3N2) viruses predominating, but influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 and influenza B viruses were also detected. Influenza activity in the United States began to increase in early November 2017 and rose sharply from December through February 3, 2018. Timing of influenza activity and predominant circulating influenza viruses vary by season. CDC collects, compiles, and analyzes data on influenza activity year-round in the United States.
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