Influenza Activity Prompts CDC Health Advisory

January 2018

child sick with the flu being comforted

The Los Angeles County Health Alert Network warns that influenza activity in Los Angeles County is elevated and increasing. This activity is occurring nationwide, prompting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to issue a health advisory last month: Seasonal Influenza A(H3N2) Activity and Antiviral Treatment of Patients with Influenza.

This CDC advisory provides notice about an increase in influenza activity in recent weeks, its clinical implications, and updated recommendations on influenza antiviral drug treatment.
Influenza A(H3N2) viruses have predominated so far this season. Influenza A(H3N2) viruses are associated with more hospitalizations and more severe illness when compared with illness caused by influenza A(H1N1) viruses. 

The CDC expects that the influenza vaccine could be similarly effective this season compared with last season and emphasizes that antiviral therapy (oseltamivir, zanamivir, and peramivir) are important adjuncts to seasonal influenza vaccination. Antiviral therapy should be considered early in the course of illness for anyone with suspected or confirmed influenza, especially patients who are hospitalized, severely ill, or at high risk for complications.

View the full Seasonal Influenza A(H3N2) Activity and Antiviral Treatment of Patients with Influenza CDC Advisory.