Flu is at elevated levels when the percent of outpatient visits due to flu-like illness is above the national baseline of 2 percent. Last week, the percent was at 3.2 percent. That represents a decline from the week ending Feb. 7, which was at 3.8 percent.
Additionally, the number of pneumonia and influenza dealths was above the epidemic threshold yet again last week, and six influenza-associated pediatric deaths were reported, bringing the total number of flu-related pediatric deaths this season to 86.
Flu activity was high (where outpatient visits were much higher than average) in Puerto Rico and 12 states during the week ending Feb. 14: Arkansas, Connecticut, Hawaii, Idaho, Kansas, Mississippi, Nevada, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Texas and West Virginia. On the other hand, 21 states saw minimal flu activity during the same week.
More articles on the flu:
Tamiflu reduces flu complications, hospitalizations, study shows
How healthcare facilities can fight flu spread: 5 tips
Low nursing home employee flu vaccination rates puts residents at risk
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