Flu cases rise gradually
Nationally, zero influenzaassociated pediatric deaths have been reported thus far for the 2020-2021 flu season, while 195 pediatric flu deaths were reported for the 20192020 flu season.
While COVID-19 continues its surge, it’s also early in the flu season. Cases of influenza remain on the low side in Michigan, but are slowly rising.
A total of 64 patient visits due to influenza like illness ( ILI) was reported out of 8,674 office visits in Michigan for the week ended Nov. 14. That is a 0.7 percent ILI activity rate for the state which is up from .05 last week.
It is down from 1.4 percent one year ago on Nov. 16, 2019, when there were 176 patient visits out of 12,329 office visits.
Comparatively, the number nationally is 1.5 percent of outpatient visits that were due to ILI. That remains the same from last week. The Centers for Disease Control reports that seasonal flu activity is low nationally.
ILI is defined as a fever ( higher than 100 degrees) and a cough and/or a sore throat without a known cause other than influenza.
A flu shot is the best way to protect against influenza and related complications for everyone ages 6 months and older with rare exceptions. It’s not too late to be vaccinated.
A new study published in Pediatrics, indicates that the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has not made U.S. parents more likely to have their children vaccinated against flu. Intentions to vaccinate were significantly influenced by previous flu vaccination history. Changes in vaccine intentions differed significantly between parents who vaccinated their children in the previous 2019-20 flu season compared to those who did not. Parents who did not have their children vaccinated in 2019-20 reported that the pandemic made them less likely to have their child vaccinated during the current 2020-21 flu season.
Nationally, zero influenza-associated pediatric deaths have been reported thus far for the 2020-2021 flu season, while 195 pediatric flu deaths were reported for the 2019-2020 flu season.
To find a place near you for a flu vaccine go to Michigan. gov/f lu. Many drug store chains and retailers offer flu shots.