Influenza widespread in 45 states; CDC reports 24 pediatric deaths from influenza in the U.S.

IAC Express

CDC stated in its Weekly U.S. Influenza Surveillance Report, FluView, that during the week ending January 26, the geographic spread of influenza in 45 states was reported as widespread; Puerto Rico and 3 states reported regional activity; two states reported local activity; the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands reported sporadic activity; and Guam did not report.

CDC has reported 2 additional pediatric deaths from influenza in the U.S. this season, for a total of 24. Last season, there was a record-setting number of pediatric deaths in the U.S. (185), so be sure to protect all your patients for whom vaccination is recommended.

Influenza vaccination is recommended for everyone six months of age and older. If you don’t provide influenza vaccination in your clinic, please recommend vaccination to your patients and refer them to a clinic or pharmacy that provides vaccines or to the HealthMap Vaccine Finder to locate sites near their workplaces or homes that offer influenza vaccination services.