The rate of hospitalization for the flu is currently much higher than it was at this point last season — 24.3 per 100,000 people are hospitalized with flu symptoms as opposed to 3.9 per 100,000 people in the 2015-16 season. However, the 2014-15 season had a much higher rate of flu hospitalizations at this point: 50.8 per 100,000.
Sign up for our FREE E-Weekly for more coverage like this sent to your inbox
During the week ending Feb. 4, 4.8 percent of outpatient visits were due to influenza-like illness, above the baseline of 2.2 percent and up from 3.9 percent the week prior.
This flu season has also been deadly: Through Feb. 4, 20 pediatric flu-related deaths were reported, and during the week ending Jan. 21, 7.9 percent of deaths were due to pneumonia and influenza, above that week’s epidemic threshold of 7.4 percent.
More articles on influenza:
CDC updates vaccine guidelines for adults: 4 things to know
Study: Quadrivalent influenza vaccine linked to clinical benefits, lower costs
Scientists create influenza breathalyzer
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.