Say Goodbye to this Flu Season

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported today the percentage of specimens testing positive for influenza in clinical laboratories across the nation declined compared to the previous week.

As of January 13, 2023, the CDC's Week #1 Influenza Surveillance Report confirmed the number of flu hospital admissions reported in the HHS Protect system decreased compared to week #52 (Dec. 2022).

And the cumulative hospitalization rate in the FluSurv-NET system was lower than end-of-season hospitalization rates for most pre-pandemic seasons going back to 2010-2011.

The good news reported by the CDC this week was the majority of influenza viruses tested are in the same genetic subclade as and antigenically similar to the influenza viruses included in this season's influenza vaccines.

Additional good news highlighted that over 170 million flu shots had been distributed in the U.S. this flu season, eliminating access concerns.

Most clinics and pharmacies have an ample supply of various flu shots approved for the 2022-2023 season.

The CDC says ab annual flu vaccine is the best way to protect against the health risks posed by an influenza infection.

And vaccination helps prevent infection and serious outcomes in people who get vaccinated but still get sick with the flu.

This CDC advice is very relevant for children, as 79 influenza-associated pediatric fatalities have been reported during the 2022-2023 season.

Furthermore, the CDC continues to recommend that everyone ages six months and older get an annual flu vaccine as long as flu activity continues.