Data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that influenza activity is rising across the United States, with activity growing in children and younger adults, although viral activity is considered low overall.
Clinical labs reported a 5 percent positivity rate for the flu in the past week, up from 2.9 percent the previous week, according to the CDC’s FluView report, issued on Dec. 1. Outpatient visits for respiratory illnesses also increased from 2.2 percent to 2.5 percent.
“Seasonal influenza activity remains low nationally but is increasing, primarily among children and young adults,” the CDC said, adding that “the timing of the increasing activity is similar to several past seasons.”…