Influenza Update 2016
On February 2, 2016, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that influenza activity is increasing across the United States. Since October 2015, CDC has detected co–circulation of influenza A(H3N2), influenza A(H1N1)pdm09, and influenza B viruses. However, influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 has predominated in recent weeks.
As in previous flu seasons, severe respiratory illness has been reported among young to middle aged adults with H1N1pdm09 virus infection. Some patients have required admission to intensive care units and a few have died. Most of these patients were reported to be unvaccinated. Some of these patients tested negative for influenza by rapid influenza diagnostic tests. Diagnosis was subsequently made by RT-PCR testing.
CDC recommends that clinicians treat suspected influenza in high–risk outpatients, those with progressive disease, and all hospitalized patients with antiviral medications as soon as possible, regardless of negative rapid influenza diagnostic test results and without waiting for RT–PCR testing results. Antiviral treatment is most effective when initiated within the first few days after symptom onset. Early antiviral treatment can reduce influenza morbidity and mortality.
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/
