8 Death Certificates Listed Influenza Last week

While the 2023-2024 flu season has yet to begin in the United States, influenza-related cases and fatalities continue to be reported from last season.

During week #28, 689 patients with laboratory-confirmed influenza were admitted to a hospital in the U.S., reported the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

And 1.2% of patient visits reported through ILINet were due to respiratory illness, including fever plus a cough or sore throat.

On July 21, 2023, the U.S. CDC reported the National Center for Health Statistics Mortality Surveillance data showed eight death certificates listed influenza as the underlying cause.

Additionally, the CDC reported one additional influenza-associated pediatric death occurred during the 2022-2023 flu season. This death was associated with an influenza B virus with no lineage determined and occurred during week #28 (the week ending July 15, 2023).

A total of 163 influenza-associated pediatric deaths occurred during the 2022-2023 flu season, which surpasses the 47 deaths reported for the 2021-2022 season in the U.S.

The CDC says an annual flu shot is the best way to prevent influenza infection. 

The recommended timing of vaccination is similar to last flu season. September and October are generally good times to get vaccinated.

For most people who need only one dose for the 2023-2024 season.

Note: All data in this CDC report are preliminary and may change as more reports are received.