Influenza is Hard to Find in the USA

The U.S. CDC published its Weekly U.S. Influenza Surveillance Report on September 3, 2021, saying 'Influenza virus circulation in the USA remains low. Therefore, Influenza-like-Illness activity is likely due to increased circulation of other respiratory viruses.'

Of the 19,592 samples evaluated by U.S. Public Health Laboratories, only (9) Positive Influenza Tests were reported to CDC for week #34.

Furthermore, (1) influenza-associated pediatric death during the 2020-2021 season has been reported to CDC. This is a significant improvement compared to last flu season when (199) pediatric deaths were confirmed.

On September 2, 2021, the U.S. FDA confirmed the number of flu vaccine lots available for distribution by the manufacturers in the USA. Over 190 million flu vaccines are expected to be distributed during the 2021-2022 flu season.

For this flu season, influenza vaccine types included inactivated influenza vaccines and live attenuated influenza vaccines. In addition, two new influenza vaccines have been licensed for use in people aged 65 and older; a quadrivalent high-dose influenza vaccine and a quadrivalent adjuvanted influenza vaccine.

According to the CDC, most people over 6-months of age are encouraged to get vaccinated every flu season since influenza infections can create severe consequences.