Six things to know:
1. The percentage of respiratory specimens testing positive for flu was 2.1 percent, down from 7.3 percent the week prior. The percentage of outpatient visits for flu-like illness also fell.
2. The national flu and pneumonia mortality rate rose to 8.2 percent, which sits above the epidemic threshold of 7.2 percent. The CDC noted this increase is driven by a jump in pneumonia deaths, which may be related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
3. The CDC confirmed seven additional pediatric flu deaths in the week ending March 28. This brings the total to 162 for the 2019-20 flu season.
4. Twenty-eight states experienced high flu-like illness activity, five states experienced moderate activity and another five states had low activity. Twelve reported minimal activity.
5. The overall flu hospitalization rate increased slightly to 67.9 per 100,000 population for the week ending March 28.
6. Flu activity was widespread in 22 states, 16 fewer than the week prior. Eighteen states reported regional spread, seven states reported local spread and three states saw sporadic spread.
More articles on public health:
73% of US physicians can’t easily test for COVID-19, survey finds
New York City’s public health system to convert all facilities into ICUs + 20 updates from the 6 hardest hit states
92M Americans at risk of severe COVID-19 illness: 4 things to know
Becker’s 3rd Annual Fall Chief Pharmacy Officer Summit is the top tier event that the people leading the future of pharmacy convene. This 3-day event is built specifically for Chief Pharmacy Officers and senior pharmacy leaders. The sessions examine the workforce, financial and clinical priorities shaping pharmacy today. Becker’s is where candid discussions flourish and new ideas thrive. Becker's 3rd Annual Fall Chief Pharmacy Officer Summit
