Overall flu activity decreased slightly in the United States during the week of December 20-26, 2009, as reported in FluView. The number of states reporting widespread flu activity decreased from 7 to 4. to doctors for influenza-like illness increased, although the proportion of tests for influenza that were positive continued to decline and the overall hospitalization rates for this season were unchanged from the previous week. Flu-associated deaths among all ages increased from the previous week, but fewer deaths in children were reported compared to the prior week (4 versus 9). Flu is unpredictable and activity can rise and fall throughout the season, but flu is likely to continue for months, caused by either 2009 H1N1 viruses or regular seasonal flu viruses.

During week 51 (December 20-26, 2009), influenza activity decreased slightly in the U.S. 154 (3.9%) specimens tested by U.S. World Health Organization (WHO) and National Respiratory and Enteric Virus Surveillance System (NREVSS) collaborating laboratories and reported to CDC/Influenza Division were positive for influenza.Four states reported geographically widespread influenza activity, 13 states reported regional influenza activity, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and 19 states reported local influenza activity, Guam and 13 states reported sporadic influenza activity, and one state reported no influenza activity, the U.S. Virgin Islands did not report.

30 December 2009 — The headline that dominated the year was easily the H1N1 pandemic. On 11 June, 2009, WHO declared the start of the first influenza pandemic since 1968. In this episode we listen to WHO’s Director-General Dr Margaret Chan, discuss the successes and challenges of 2009.

As of 27 December 2009, worldwide more than 208 countries and overseas territories or communities have reported laboratory confirmed cases of pandemic influenza H1N1 2009, including at least 12220 deaths.

This podcast discusses the use of antiviral drugs for the treatment and prevention of influenza, including 2009 H1N1, during the 2009-2010 influenza season.

To assess intent to receive influenza vaccines among children and adults, during August 2009, the North Carolina Center for Public Health Preparedness conducted a community assessment in two counties to measure knowledge of and intent to receive H1N1 and seasonal influenza vaccines.

During week 50 (December 13-19, 2009), influenza activity continued to decrease in the U.S. 306 (6.9%) specimens tested by U.S. World Health Organization (WHO) and National Respiratory and Enteric Virus Surveillance System (NREVSS) collaborating laboratories and reported to CDC/Influenza Division were positive for influenza.

Flu activity continued to decline in the United States during the week of December 13-19, 2009, as reported in FluView. The number of states reporting widespread flu activity decreased from 11 to 7. Visits to doctors for influenza-like illness, flu-associated hospitalizations, and flu-associated deaths all declined from the previous week. Flu is unpredictable and activity can rise and fall throughout the season, but flu is is likely to continue for months caused by either 2009 H1N1 viruses or regular seasonal flu viruses. In addition to seasonal flu vaccine, a vaccine against the 2009 H1N1 virus has been produced and is the best way to protect against the pandemic virus. Supplies of this vaccine are increasing and many places have opened up vaccination to anyone who wants it.

This document provides several questions and answers regarding the recent MedImmune voluntary Non-Safety-Related Recall of Specific Lots of Nasal Spray Vaccine for 2009 H1N1 Influenza

As of 20 December 2009, worldwide more than 208 countries and overseas territories or communities have reported laboratory confirmed cases of pandemic influenza H1N1 2009, including at least 11516 deaths.