Flu activity increasing in the United States

The national percentage of viruses testing positive for influenza continued to increase this week, led by sharp increases in the southeast region of the country, according CDC officials.

Despite relatively low numbers of flu cases this year, physicians must be prepared for an increasing number of cases. “Don't be fooled by the past few months: flu is coming,” Anne Schuchat, MD, director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases of the CDC, said on a conference call.

“Indeed the flu season is well underway,” echoed Howard Koh, MD, assistant secretary for health at the Department of Health and Human Services. “With the holidays coming up, we are encouraging all American to get vaccinated to protect themselves, their families and their communities from the flu.” New universal flu recommendations, which promote vaccination for everyone 6 months and older, took effect this flu season, Koh noted.

The active flu viruses identified this season include the 2009 H1N1 A strain, an influenza A H3N2 strain and an influenza B strain, Schuchat said. “The vaccine being offered this season is a very good match for all the strains that we're seeing,” she said.

Sunday, December 5, marks the beginning of the CDC’s National Influenza Vaccination week, during which the agency “traditionally highlights the importance of continuing flu vaccination and fosters greater use of the flu vaccine,” Koh said. “Each day will a feature a number of very exciting and creative activities to promote vaccination among key populations." Free flu vaccines will be widely available due to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, which mandates that new health plans cover high-value preventive services without cost sharing, Koh noted.

On the call, Schuchat reported flu vaccination rates from a national rapid telephone survey of 38,000 adults and 9,100 children. Through the second week of November, 33% of respondents said they had been vaccinated. Seniors were most likely to be vaccinated, with 64% reporting vaccination. Of respondents who were not vaccinated, 15% said they definitely would get vaccinated, and 25% said they probably would get vaccinated. Medical locations, such as the doctor’s office, a hospital or a clinic, were among the most common places to receive a vaccine.

Follow the PediatricSuperSite.com on Twitter.