Influenza Activity Remains at Lower Levels

The World Health Organization (WHO) issued Influenza Update N° 399 on August 2, 2021, saying, 'Globally, despite continued or even increased testing for influenza in some countries, influenza activity remained at lower levels than expected for this time of the year.'

• In the temperate zones of the southern hemisphere, influenza activity remained at inter-seasonal levels.
• In the temperate zones of the northern hemisphere, influenza activity remained at inter-seasonal levels. 
• In the Caribbean and Central American countries, there were no influenza detections reported. 
• In tropical South America, no influenza detections were reported. 

Furthermore, FluNet reported for the time period from July 5, 2021, to July 18, 2021, laboratories tested more than 134,485 specimens during that time period. Just 720 specimens were positive for influenza viruses, of which 258 (35.8%) were typed as influenza A and 462  (64.2%) as influenza B.

Of the subtyped influenza A viruses, 88 (37.8%) were influenza A(H1N1)pdm09, and 145 (62.2%) were influenza A(H3N2). Of the characterized B viruses, 0 (0%) belonged to the B/Yamagata lineage and 408 (100%) to the B/Victoria lineage.

The WHO says the 'current influenza surveillance data should be interpreted with caution as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has influenced to varying extents health-seeking behaviors. The various hygiene and physical distancing measures implemented by Member States to reduce SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus transmission have likely played a role in reducing influenza virus transmission.

This web page has an updated listing of U.S. FDA-approved influenza vaccines for the 2021-2022 flu season.