| Has the flu bug struck anyone in your home recently? |
| Yes |
 ( 30% )
|
| No |
|
( 40% )
|
| Avoiding the public as much as possible and using hand sanitizer like crazy. |
|
( 10% )
|
| I had the flu shot, so I've been lucky so far |
|
( 20% )
|
Confirmed cases of influenza increased from 29.6 percent last week to 31.6 percent this week. Two child deaths were documented as influenza-associated, bringing the total to 18. The complete number of fatalities due to pneumonia and influenza has stayed under the epidemic limit.
Last flu season the percentage of people seeking care for ILI was 2.2 percent at its peak, while this year it has already reached 5.6 percent. In comparison, during the 2009 H1N1 pandemic, ILI reached 7.7 percent.
ILI generally remains at or below the baseline for an average of 12 weeks, and has done so for the last 10 seasons. During the 2009 pandemic, ILI averages stayed above the national baseline for approximately 19 weeks.
The CDC recommends flu shots and antiviral medication when it is needed at this time. Specifically, they suggest Tamiflu and Relenza to treat the flu.
For patients who are seriously ill, hospitalized, or at an elevated risk of serious complications, the CDC suggests antiviral treatment as soon as symptoms start. This includes at risk groups such as:
- adults 65 or older
- pregnant women
- people with medical conditions
- young children
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