Flu activity is still high — but remains far lower than last season

A LOOK AT INFLUENZA-LIKE ILLNESS ACTIVITY OVER SEVERAL FLU SEASONS. (CDC)

Flu activity is still picking up across much of the country, with 48 states and Puerto Rico seeing widespread flu activity. Flu activity this season has primarily been driven by H1N1 virus infections. The CDC says this flu season has been similar to other seasons dominated by H1N1 viruses, but it remains far less severe than last flu season. Federal health officials also received reports of another six pediatric deaths tied to the flu during the week ending Feb. 9. That brings the total number of flu-related deaths among children this flu season to 34. The CDC says it expects flu activity to remain high for a number of weeks.