Five things to know:
1. The percentage of outpatient visits for flu-like illness was 1.7 percent for the week ending Oct. 19. This figure marks a slight increase from a week prior but remains below the national baseline of 2.4 percent.
2. The CDC confirmed 126 positive respiratory specimens for influenza A and 269 positive specimens for influenza B in the week ending Oct. 19. The agency has confirmed 1,613 positive specimens since Sep. 29.
3. Louisiana and Puerto Rico experienced high flu-like illness activity for the week ending Oct. 19. Alabama, Connecticut, Hawaii and Missouri experienced low activity. The remaining states experienced minimal activity.
4. The first two pediatric flu deaths of the season were reported to the CDC in the week ending Oct. 19.
5. Maryland reported widespread flu activity, and Louisiana reported regional flu activity for the week. Six other states reported local flu activity and forty states reported sporadic activity. Rhode Island reported no flu activity for the week, and Nevada did not report data.
More articles on clinical leadership & infection control:
1st flu death reported in North Carolina
NewYork-Presbyterian rolls out mental health program for NYPD
Are patient-reported outcome measures woth the effort? 47% of clinical leaders are unsure
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.
