There have now been a total of 21 pediatric deaths associated with influenza so far this flu season, according to the CDC. The deaths are distributed across 11 states: Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Kansas, Minnesota, North Carolina, Nevada, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia.
Though more deaths were reported last week, the percentage of deaths attributed to pneumonia and influenza is now below the epidemic threshold, a change from the week ending Dec. 20, when it was at the epidemic threshold.
The only states where the flu is not widespread are Alaska, Arizona, California, Maine, Nevada and Oregon, where there is regional flu activity, and Hawaii, which had sporadic influenza activity.
The number of hospitalizations due to the flu also increased: Between Oct. 1 and Dec. 27, 3,441 lab-confirmed influenza-associated hospitalizations were reported, up from the 2,643 hospitalizations that occurred between Oct. 1 and Dec. 20.
More articles on the flu:
Physicians use telemedicine to prevent spread of flu
Immunization reminder in EHR boosted flu shot rates in study
15 dead as US flu season intensifies
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