CDC: Flu hospitalization rate similar to 2014-15 season

The flu hospitalization rate rose last week to 41.9 per 100,000 people, similar to the rate during the 2014-2015 season, when the same flu strain predominated, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported today. The H3N2 strain is associated with more hospitalizations and deaths in older adults and young children. Nearly 12,000 flu hospitalizations and 37 flu-associated pediatric deaths have been reported since last October. Hospitalizations have been highest for adults aged 65 and older, followed by 50-64 year olds and children under 5. CDC recommends treating all hospitalized, severely ill and high-risk patients who have suspected or confirmed influenza with antiviral medications as soon as possible. The agency also continues to recommend flu vaccination for everyone aged 6 months and older, since flu viruses are likely to continue circulating for weeks.