The U.S. continues to see elevated levels of the flu, and 11 new pediatric flu deaths were reported during the week ending Jan. 17, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The total number of flu-related pediatric deaths so far this season sits at 56.
The proportion of deaths linked to pneumonia and influenza was above the epidemic threshold that week as well, as 9.3 percent of all reported deaths were due to pneumonia and influenza during the week ending Jan. 17.
Additionally, the number of patients visiting healthcare providers with flu-like symptoms also remains above baseline level.
With a flu vaccine that is just 23 percent effective and a powerful strain of the flu dominating the season so far, healthcare providers should expect to continue to see patients suffering from the flu and flu-like illnesses in the near future.
Find tips to keep the spread of infections in waiting rooms to a minimum here.