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Each week CDC analyzes information about influenza disease activity in the United States and publishes findings of key flu indicators in a report called FluView. During the week of December 6-12, 2009, influenza activity decreased over the previous week across all key indicators. Most indicators, however, remain higher than normal for this time of year. Below is a summary of the most recent key indicators:

Visits to doctors for influenza-like illness (ILI) nationally decreased slightly this week over last week. This is the seventh consecutive week of national decreases in ILI after four consecutive weeks of sharp increases. While ILI has declined, visits to doctors for influenza-like illness remain slightly elevated nationally.

Influenza hospitalizations and hospitalization rates decreased in all age groups.

The proportion of deaths attributed to pneumonia and influenza (P&I) based on the 122 Cities Report decreased over the previous week, but remains elevated for this time of year. This proportion has been higher than expected for eleven consecutive weeks. In addition, 9 flu-related pediatric deaths were reported this week: 8 of these deaths were associated with laboratory confirmed 2009 H1N1, and one was associated with an influenza A virus that was not subtyped. Since April 2009, CDC has received reports of 276 laboratory-confirmed pediatric deaths: 232 due to 2009 H1N1, 42 pediatric deaths that were laboratory confirmed as influenza, but the flu virus subtype was not determined, and two pediatric deaths that were associated with seasonal influenza viruses. Laboratory-confirmed deaths are thought to represent an undercount of the actual number. CDC has provided estimates about the number of 2009 H1N1 cases and related hospitalizations and deaths.

Eleven states are reporting widespread influenza activity; a decline of three states from last week. They are: Alabama, Alaska, California, Delaware, Kentucky, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Nevada, New York, and Virginia.

Almost all of the influenza viruses identified so far continue to be 2009 H1N1 influenza A viruses. These viruses remain similar to the virus chosen for the 2009 H1N1 vaccine, and remain susceptible to the antiviral drugs oseltamivir and zanamivir with rare exception.

*All data are preliminary and may change as more reports are received