Influenza Detections Diminished in April 2024

Today, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed that seasonal influenza activity continues to decline nationally and in most areas of the country.

On April 26, 2024, the CDC's FluView Key Updates for Week #16 highlighted that outpatient respiratory illness declined and is below baseline for the third week in a row. Nationally, the number of weekly flu hospital admissions has been decreasing since January.

Unfortunately, the CDC reported six additional influenza-associated pediatric deaths occurring during the 2023-2024 season were reported, increasing the flu season total to 148 pediatric deaths.

Seperately, the Walgreens Flu Index map shows local activity (04/20/2024) in these cities:

1. El Paso, Texas (Las Cruces, N.M.
2. Omaha, Neb.
3. Columbus-Tupelo-West Point-Houston, Miss.
4. Harlingen-Weslaco-Brownsville-McAllen, Texas
5. Oklahoma City, Okla.
6. Davenport, Iowa-Rock Island-Moline, Ill.
7. Ft. Smith-Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, Ark.
8. Las Vegas, Nev.
9. Lincoln & Hastings-Kearney, Neb.
10. Bakersfield, Calif.

The CDC reconfirmed there also are influenza vaccines and prescription flu antiviral drugs available at pharmacies in the U.S.