CDC: large spike in flu activity, 5 pediatric deaths :

Editor's note:For the latest flu coverage, visit https://www.aappublications.org/collection/influenza.

Flu activity spiked last week, surpassing the peaks of many recent seasons, according to new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

About 6.9% of outpatient clinic visits were for flu, up from 5.1% the week before and well above the baseline of 2.4%. The jump “may be influenced in part by a reduction in routine healthcare visits surrounding the holidays,” the CDC said on its website.

Still, most recent seasons haven’t seen that level of activity during the holidays or at other parts of the year. Flu activity was high in 34 states and widespread in 45 states.

Five more pediatric deaths were reported last week, bringing the total to 27. Children ages 4 and under have the second highest hospitalization rate at 17.8 per 100,000 children in this age group.

Across all ages, the CDC estimates at least 6.4 million people have gotten sick, 55,000 have been hospitalized and 2,900 have died.

Influenza B/Victoria viruses have been predominant, followed by influenza A (H1N1)pdm09.

The CDC and the Academy recommend everyone 6 months and older get vaccinated against the flu.