Through the week ending Jan. 24, influenza activity in the U.S. remained at elevated levels, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Five flu-related pediatric deaths were reported last week, bringing the total pediatric deaths this flu season to 61.
Additionally, the number of deaths associated with pneumonia and influenza remained above epidemic thresholds.
On the plus side, antiviral medications have been effective against the vast majority of the flu virus strains circulating in the U.S., according to the CDC. Earlier this flu season, Tom Frieden, MD, urged clinicians to prescribe antivirals to patients with flu-like symptoms.
Americans continue to visit healthcare facilities for flu-like illnesses in droves: For the week ending Jan. 24, 4.4 percent of outpatient visits were due to influenza-like illnesses, above the national baseline of 2 percent. See tips on how healthcare facilities can help fight flu spread here.