The percentage of outpatient visits for influenza continue to rise this season, but there are no new deaths from the disease, according to the latest data from the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
Since flu season officially began on Oct. 2, MaineCDC has tracked a growing percentage of outpatient visits related to the disease. The latest data, which covers the week ending Nov. 19, the percentage has risen to 2.68%. Data from the week ending Nov. 5 showed a 2.1% increase.
The new MaineCDC data showed nine hospitalizations the week of Nov. 19, with a total of 22 so far this season. The data showed one new outbreak, with a total of six so far this season.
The data also showed a total of 374 new positive tests for influenza, with a total of 802 so far this season. The majority of the positive tests so far remained among people aged 5-24. According to MaineCDC, Penobscot and Piscataquis counties were rated “moderate” in severity, while the rest of the state remains classified as “low.”
Nationwide, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported “seasonal influenza activity is elevated across the country.” CDC’s weekly influenza report estimated 4.4 million illnesses nationwide since the season began, with 38,000 hospitalizations and 2,100 deaths.
According to the CDC, vaccine manufacturers estimate as many as 183.5 million doses of the influenza vaccine will be available this season.
“Currently, influenza vaccine manufacturers are not reporting any expected delays in national flu vaccine supply or distribution this season,” CDC noted on its website.
Learn where to get vaccinated by visiting https://www.vaccines.gov/find-vaccines/
