At least 2.9 million illnesses, 30,000 hospitalizations and 1,200 deaths have been caused by influenza so far this season in the United States, according to new estimates released Friday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Seasonal flu activity continues to rise across most of the country, the CDC said. Influenza A (H3N2) remains the predominant strain circulating.
For the week ending Dec. 6, public health laboratories nationwide reported 547 influenza virus detections. The first pediatric death linked to flu this season was also confirmed.
The CDC urges everyone aged six months and older who has not yet been vaccinated to get an annual flu shot.
Several prescription antiviral medications are available to treat influenza, the agency noted. These treatments work best when started early and are especially important for people at higher risk of severe complications.