CDC: Highest Ever Number of Kids Hospitalized for Flu

Being a physician in the District in the 21st century means being on the front line of the most pressing public health issues in the world. In our small geographic boundaries, physicians help address issue found in every state all in one area. The issues are too lengthy to list on one webpage but physicians are on the front lines of addressing health issues for all District residents.

News, Statements, and Testimony on Health Equity Issues

25th Council session information coming soon.

CDC: Highest Ever Number of Kids Hospitalized for Flu

Mar 2, 2020, 10:47 AM by MSDC staff

This flu season has seen record high hospitalizations for children, but other metrics remaining at or near average so far.

While the COVID-19 outbreak dominates headlines, more common types of flu are still endangering public health. According to a recent weekly Center for Disease Control (CDC) report, hospitalization rates for infants and children under the age of 5 are the highest ever recorded at this point in the flu season. This includes during the 2009 H1N1 pandemic.

The hospitalization rate for children ages 0-4 is 80.1 per 100,000, compared with 45.5 at this point last year (analysis from Medscape). While twenty pediatric flu deaths were reported last week (bringing the total for this age cohort to 125 overall for the season), overall mortality is below the 7.3% epidemic threshold.

Local physicians will note that flu activity was "low" in the District but is listed as "high" in 43 states plus New York City and Puerto Rico.

In terms of flu type, Influenza B viruses are showing seasonal averages but influenza A rates have been rising.

CDC two weeks ago released its interim estimates for the 2019-2020 flu vaccine effectiveness. It notes that so far, flu vaccines are reducing doctor's visits for flu by 45% overall and 55% in children.

Sample of Health Equity Legislation MSDC Tracked

Student Access to Treatment Amendment Act (B23-467)

What does it say? The bill allows for the administration of medicinal marijuana in schools as well as allows students to bring sunscreen to schools and apply it without a prescription.

MSDC position: MSDC supports the language permitting sunscreen application in schools

Current status: A win for DC physicians and public health! The legislation passed the Council in February and was signed by the Mayor. Previous temporary and emergency legislation permitted students to use sunscreen at schools this school year already.

Electronic Medical Order for Scope of Treatment Registry Amendment Act (B23-261)

What does it say? The bill requires DC Health to establish an electronic Medical Order for Scope of Treatment registry (eMOST).

MSDC position: MSDC supports this legislation to more easily allow patients to make their treatment orders known.

Current status: A win for the physician community and our patients! The Council passed the bill in December and the Mayor signed it into law on January 16, 2020.

Healthy Beverage Choices Amendment Act (B23-495)

What does it say? The bill would implement a 1.5 cent per ounce tax on the distribution of "sugary" beverages. The money collected from the tax would establish a Healthy People, Healthy Places Open Spaces Grant Program.

MSDC position: MSDC sent a letter to Council Chair Mendelson asking for a hearing to discuss all of the issues around a beverage tax.

Current status: The bill was introduced October 8, 2019 and referred to the Committee on Business and Economic Development and the Committee of the Whole.