Question: What’s happening with seasonal influenza?  

Answer: According to CDC’s latest weekly influenza report, flu cases in the US are low but increasing.  Most states are experiencing minimal to moderate flu activity with the exception of New Mexico, which is experiencing high flu levels (Figure 1).  Current levels of flu activity are higher than this time last year (Figure 2), which as you may recall, was an unusually low flu season. CDC notes that “there are early signs that flu vaccination uptake is down this season compared to last,” and reminds us “An annual flu vaccine is the best way to protect against flu and its potentially serious complications. CDC recommends everyone 6 months and older get a flu vaccine.” 

Figure 1. Flu activity by state as of December 4th, 2021 (updated 12/10) (from CDC)

Figure 2. Flu activity by state as of December 5th, 2020 (from CDC)