Flu season officially begins….

The 2018-2019 influenza season has officially begun, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

“Increases in flu activity summarized in CDC’s most recent FluView report, including increases in influenza-like illness (ILI) and the proportion of laboratory-confirmed flu cases nationally, have signaled the start of the 2018-2019 influenza season,” the CDC reports.

The proportion of outpatient visits for influenza passed the national baseline for the second time this season, with high activity in Georgia and Colorado and widespread activity in Guam and six states, according to the CDC’s most recent FluView report. The reported cumulative rate of laboratory-confirmed influenza-associated hospitalizations was 2.9 per 100,000 population, up from 1.9 per 100,000 population during week 49.

Influenza A viruses have predominated in the United States since early October, with influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 predominating in most of the country. In the southeastern United States (Health and Human Services Region 4); however, influenza A (H3) viruses have been the most commonly reported viruses for the most recent 3 weeks..

All influenza viruses tested since late May have been susceptible to the antiviral medications oseltamivir, zanamivir, and peramivir so please contact your healthcare provider within 24-48 hours of the sudden onset to begin medication regime in a timely manner.