The CDC has started reporting influenza activity in the United States. In any flu season, the data that gets reported each week is preliminary and can change as new information becomes available.
As of April 26, the CDC is reporting that influenza-like illness activity throughout the United States is decreasing nationwide.
Some cases may not be the flu. There are also respiratory illnesses going around, includingCOVID-19and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Flu Testing
For the week ending April 20, 2024, clinical laboratories in the U.S. tested 56,206 specimens for flu viruses, of which 2,720 (4.8%) were positive. Among the positive results, influenza A accounted for 56.3% of positive flu cases, and influenza B accounted for 43.7%.
Public health laboratories in the U.S. also reported data about specimen testing to the CDC. Of the 900 samples tested, 185 were positive for the flu. Influenza A accounted for 62.7% of the positive flu cases, and influenza B accounted for 37.3%.
The Different Strains of The Flu
Influenza patterns vary according tothe specific flu virus strainsthat are circulating in a given year, as well as human behavior. For example, some of the changes that the pandemic brought about—such as mask-wearing and social distancing—slowed down the flu spread last year.
Another factor that affects flu patterns is vaccination.Annual flu vaccinesare a safe and effective way to help curb the spread of the flu and to prevent hospitalizations and deaths.
Hospitalizations and DeathsSo far this flu season, the CDC estimates that there have been at least:34 million illnesses380,000 hospitalizations24,000 deaths (including 148 children)
Hospitalizations and Deaths
So far this flu season, the CDC estimates that there have been at least:34 million illnesses380,000 hospitalizations24,000 deaths (including 148 children)
So far this flu season, the CDC estimates that there have been at least:
How Many People Have Had Flu Shots?
The CDC also tracks how many flu vaccines have been given each year. It usesnational surveysto estimate how many adults have gotten a flu shot as well as how many caregivers have vaccinated their children. While flu season is still ongoing, the numbers can change a lot.
Flu Shots 2023-2024So far this year, over157 million flu vaccine doseshave been distributed in the U.S. As of the end of February 2024,coverage estimatesfor flu shots show that:About 48% of adults aged 18 and older have been vaccinatedAbout 52% of children aged 6 months to 17 years old have been vaccinatedAbout 38% of pregnant people have been vaccinated
Flu Shots 2023-2024
So far this year, over157 million flu vaccine doseshave been distributed in the U.S. As of the end of February 2024,coverage estimatesfor flu shots show that:About 48% of adults aged 18 and older have been vaccinatedAbout 52% of children aged 6 months to 17 years old have been vaccinatedAbout 38% of pregnant people have been vaccinated
So far this year, over157 million flu vaccine doseshave been distributed in the U.S. As of the end of February 2024,coverage estimatesfor flu shots show that:
To get a sense of how many people in the U.S. are getting flu shots, the CDC compares the current rates (as percentages) to those from previous years.
Here’s what flu vaccine coverage looked like this timelast year:
Can I Get a Flu Shot and COVID Booster at the Same Time?The CDC is recommending both annual flu shots and updated COVID booster shots. It is safe and effective to get both shots at the same time (coadministration) or you can get them on separate days.If you get your flu shot and a COVID vaccine on the same day, the CDC says it is OK to get them in the same arm—the injections just need to be given about 1 inch apart. However, since some flu shots can make your arm sore, your provider may recommend you get the shots in different arms to help reduce soreness.
Can I Get a Flu Shot and COVID Booster at the Same Time?
The CDC is recommending both annual flu shots and updated COVID booster shots. It is safe and effective to get both shots at the same time (coadministration) or you can get them on separate days.If you get your flu shot and a COVID vaccine on the same day, the CDC says it is OK to get them in the same arm—the injections just need to be given about 1 inch apart. However, since some flu shots can make your arm sore, your provider may recommend you get the shots in different arms to help reduce soreness.
The CDC is recommending both annual flu shots and updated COVID booster shots. It is safe and effective to get both shots at the same time (coadministration) or you can get them on separate days.
If you get your flu shot and a COVID vaccine on the same day, the CDC says it is OK to get them in the same arm—the injections just need to be given about 1 inch apart. However, since some flu shots can make your arm sore, your provider may recommend you get the shots in different arms to help reduce soreness.
What Information Do States Report?
The CDC tracks LIL activity levels in each state and presents aweekly flu surveillance report. LIL activity levels are defined as the following:
COVID-19, RSV, and the Flu
What Can The Data Tell Me About Flu Activities In My State?
Data on ILI activity can give you a sense of how many people have respiratory symptoms in your state.
If the ILI activity level where you live is high, it can be a sign that the flu is “going around” in your community. Having this information, you can take preventive steps, such aswashing your hands frequentlyand getting a flu shot, to help reduce your risk of getting sick.
If you haveflu-like symptoms, call your provider to see if you should have a test. They might want you to take antiviral medications such asTamifluto help reduce your symptoms. While you are sick, wear a mask and stay at home to help keep other people from catching the flu from you.
How Long Is the Flu Contagious?
How Is Flu Data Different From COVID-19 Data?
Some specimens tested for the flu can be tested for COVID at the same time. If a flu test is negative, a personmight need to have a COVID test. It’s also possible for someone to have bothCOVID and the fluat the same time.
Testing people who are sick helps providers care for them, but it also helps us get a sense of how the viruses are circulating in our communities and how effective thevaccines for the virusesare.
COVID and The Flu
3 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Weekly U.S. influenza surveillance report.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Weekly U.S. map: influenza summary update.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Getting the flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine at the same time.
3 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Weekly U.S. influenza surveillance report.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Weekly U.S. map: influenza summary update.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Getting the flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine at the same time.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Weekly U.S. influenza surveillance report.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Weekly U.S. map: influenza summary update.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Getting the flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine at the same time.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Weekly U.S. influenza surveillance report.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Weekly U.S. map: influenza summary update.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Getting the flu shot and COVID-19 vaccine at the same time.
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