Flu activity remains moderate to high

According to CDC data, the flu test positivity rate for the week ending Feb. 7 was 18.6%, an increase from the week before. There was also an increase in the percentage of visits to a healthcare provider for respiratory illnesses.

However, flu hospitalization rates decreased slightly during this time. The weekly hospitalization rate was 27.8 per 100,000 residents, and there were 14,656 people admitted to the hospital with the flu.

Across the United States, eight states reported moderate levels of influenza-like illnesses (ILI), 13 states reported high levels, and 11 states reported very high levels. The remaining states had low to minimal ILI activity.

Although most flu cases are still due to strains of influenza A, there was a 19% increase in people testing positive for influenza B. Currently, influenza B makes up around a third of all flu cases nationwide. This strain typically hits people later in the flu season than influenza A. Influenza B is also more common among children.

So far this flu season, CDC estimates that there have been at least 23 million flu cases, 300,000 hospitalizations, and 19,000 deaths. 

CDC has classified this flu season as being high severity for pediatric patients (0 to 17 years) but only moderate severity for adults (18 to 64 years) and older adults (65+ years).

Health experts continue to urge people to get vaccinated against the flu, noting that the vaccine can reduce the risk of flu and potentially severe complications.

"It is not too late to get vaccinated, and it definitely does make a difference," said Tyler Evans, an infectious disease specialist and CEO of Wellness Equity Alliance.

Aside from getting vaccinated, people can protect themselves from the flu by avoiding those who are coughing and sneezing and practicing regular handwashing with soap and water. Certain groups, including older adults, young children, pregnant people, and those with an increased risk of severe illness, may also want to wear a mask to reduce the risk of infection.