This year's flu season is nearing 2009 pandemic levels with elevated flu levels for nine consecutive weeks in the U.S., as of Jan. 20, according to an article on the Becker's Clinical Leadership & Infection Control website.
Most cases are being linked to the H3N2 strain of influenza A, which is associated with more severe illness in the elderly and young children.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported seven more pediatric flu deaths for the week ending Jan. 20, which brings the death count in children to 37 for this season.
The hospitalization rate was 41.9 per 100,000 population for the week ending Jan. 20.
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