U.S. Flu Season Arrives Early: Mutated H1N1 Spreading, CDC Estimates 1.7 Million Illnesses
The flu season arrived early in the United States this year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), flu activity began increasing in parts of the country in late August and early September, reaching an activity level in October not usually seen until December or January. The CDC estimates 1.7 million illnesses, 25,000 hospitalizations and 1,400 deaths from flu so far this season as of October 30.
As of November 5, CDC projections found that flu infections were on the rise in 40 states and declining in none. Wastewater data showed flu activity in October at a level typically observed in December or January. In the week through October 31, about 9.14 percent (4,694) of the 51,351 flu tests administered that week were reported positive to the National Respiratory and Enteric Virus Surveillance System.
H1N1, a type of influenza A, is the primary virus behind this season so far. The most common H1N1 strain currently is the genetic subgroup known as subclade D.3.1.1, a mutated version of H1N1, with some experts warning that it could play a hand in an earlier or longer season. The finding was published in a study on the preprint server bioRxiv, meaning the research has not yet completed peer review.
The most effective way to prevent serious illness from the flu is vaccination, according to the World Health Organization, the CDC and other public health institutions.
Source: U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 图：美国疾病控制与预防中心总部（GSM 固定图库）。CDC headquarters. (GSM asset library)
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