This report provides an update to the international situation as of January 8, 2010. The World Health Organization (WHO) continues to report updated 2009 H1N1 flu-associated laboratory-confirmed cases and deaths on its Web page.

During week 52 (December 27, 2009-January 2, 2010), influenza activity decreased slightly in the U.S.
161 (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.

Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) January 8, 2010 / 58(51 & 52);1440-1444

Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) January 8, 2010 / 58(51 & 52);1436-1440

Flu Activity: Overall flu activity in the United States decreased slightly during the week of December 27-January 2, 2010, as reported in FluView. Though flu activity, caused by either 2009 H1N1 or seasonal flu viruses, may rise and fall, it is expected to continue for several more months.

Vaccination: CDC recommends influenza vaccination as the first and most important step in protecting against the flu. The week of January 10-16, 2010 marks this season’s National Influenza Vaccination Week (NIVW), a national observance to highlight the importance of continuing influenza vaccination beyond the holiday season. Because supplies of the 2009 H1N1 vaccines have increased dramatically, CDC is now encouraging everyone who has been patiently waiting to receive the 2009 H1N1 vaccine to get vaccinated at this time.

As of 3 January 2010, worldwide more than 208 countries and overseas territories or communities have reported laboratory confirmed cases of pandemic influenza (H1N1) 2009, including at least 12799 deaths.