The map of flu activity across the United States continues to darken, both figuratively and literally, as case numbers spike upward in most states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The flu positivity rate from lab tests across the country has jumped week-to-week from 18% to 25%, with documented flu activity especially high some states.
The following 14 states, along with New York City, are now at the CDC’s highest tier of influenza activity: Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, South Carolina and Tennessee.
There were four pediatric deaths during the third week of January, pushing the total number of pediatric deaths for this flu season up to 31.
According to the CDC, Influenza A is responsible for the vast majority of cases.
With the winter cold driving many of us indoors where virus transmission is easier, the increase in respiratory illnesses isn’t a surprise.
