Six things to know:
1. The percentage of outpatient visits for flu-like illness was 2.9 percent for the week ending Nov. 23, up from 2.5 percent a week prior. This figure surpasses the national baseline of 2.4 percent.
2. About 8 percent of respiratory specimens tested positive for flu in clinical laboratories nationwide for the week ending Nov. 23. The agency has confirmed 7,361 positive specimens since Sept. 29.
3. Seven states experienced high flu-like illness activity for the week ending Nov. 23. Another seven states experienced moderate activity, eight states reported low activity and 28 states experienced minimal activity.
4. One new pediatric flu death was reported to the CDC in the week ending Nov. 23. Five pediatric deaths have occurred during the 2019-20 flu season.
5. Ten states reported widespread flu activity, and 14 reported regional flu activity for the week ending Nov. 23. Nineteen states reported local flu activity, while seven states reported sporadic activity.
6. The overall flu-associated hospitalization rate stayed at 2.0 per 100,000 people for the week ending Nov. 23. The CDC has confirmed 573 flu-associated hospitalizations since Oct. 1.
More articles on clinical leadership & infection control:
Consistent hospitalist care linked to better patient outcomes, study finds
10 top patient safety, infection control stories in November
3 HIV vaccine trials show great promise, experts say
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.
