The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) predicts that elevated influenza activity in the U.S. will continue for several more weeks. Influenza vaccination should continue for as long as influenza is circulating.
Locally, influenza activity remains elevated. At the State level, influenza activity is widespread.
The most frequently identified influenza virus reported by Orange County Public Health Laboratory was influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus.
Five influenza-associated deaths in adults 18 to 64 years have been reported to Orange County Public Health so far this season. No deaths in children under 18 years have been reported so far this season.
Clinical News:
According to the CDC, overall estimated vaccine effectiveness (VE) of 2018-2019 influenza vaccine thus far was 47% (61% in children) in preventing medically-attended influenza illnesses (read more here).
In 2017-2018, overall VE was 38%, resulting in an estimated 7.1 million illnesses, 3.7 million medical visits, 109,000 hospitalizations, and 8,000 deaths prevented with influenza vaccination (read more here).
