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CDC: Highest Ever Number of Kids Hospitalized for Flu
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.
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.
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