Confirmed Influenza Cases Lower Than Normal This Year

The US Influenza Hospitalization Surveillance Network (FluSurv-NET) reported on January 15, 2021, a total of 129 laboratory-confirmed influenza-associated hospitalizations occurring between October 1, 2020, and January 9, 2021. FluSurv-NET stated this 'number is lower than average for this point in the season and comparable to counts seen at this point during the 2011-12 season.'

Additionally, the U.S. CDC's week #1 report for the 2021 influenza season commented, 'Flu activity is unusually low at this time but may increase in the coming months.'

The CDC found during week #1, which ended on January 9, 2021, '1.7% of patient visits reported through ILINet were due to Influenza-like-Illness. This percentage is below the national baseline of 2.6%.'

Moreover, only (1) influenza-associated pediatric death has been reported to the CDC during the 2020-2021 season. This data compares with the 2019-202 flu season, when (195) flu-associated pediatric deaths were confirmed.

Since each flu season is unpredictable, the CDC says, 'If you haven’t gotten your flu vaccine yet, get vaccinated now. An annual flu vaccine is the best way to protect against flu and its potentially serious complications.'