Although the first wave of influenza this season seems to have peaked in Orange County in late December/early January, activity is still high and we expect influenza to be circulating over the next several weeks to months. Severe cases of influenza (defined as persons 0-64 years of age hospitalized in intensive care or who died with influenza) continue to be reported with 37 severe cases including 8 deaths thus far this season. Influenza continues to be widespread throughout California and the continental United States.