Editor's note:For the latest flu coverage, visit https://www.aappublications.org/collection/influenza.
Health officials are reporting five more pediatric deaths related to flu, bringing the total to 106 as the season stretches into May.
Across all ages, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates 42.9 million people have gotten sick, 647,000 have been hospitalized and 61,200 have died this season.
During the week ending May 4, about 1.6% of outpatient clinic visits were for flu, marking the third consecutive week rates fell below baseline, according to CDC data. These rates were above baseline for 21 weeks, peaking in February at 5.1%.
H1N1 viruses were predominant from October into February, but a surge of H3N2 viruses beginning in late February contributed to what became the longest season in a decade. Flu still is widespread in Massachusetts and New York.
The CDC and the Academy recommend everyone 6 months and older get vaccinated against the flu. Flu vaccine is 61% effective against medically attended influenza for children and 47% for the overall population, according to interim data from the CDC.
This season, inactivated influenza vaccine has been the primary vaccine choice, while quadrivalent live attenuated influenza vaccine may be used for children who would not otherwise receive a vaccine, according to AAP policy. However, theAAP announced in March that it will not have a preference between the two vaccines next season.
