NewsHealth Stories

Actions

23 states showing widespread flu outbreaks

23 states showing widespread flu outbreaks
23 states showing widespread flu outbreaks
Posted
and last updated

Influenza is on the rise across the country, according to a new Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report

Haven't gotten the flu shot yet? This map should give you a good reason:

The number of states reporting widespread flu activity jumped from 12 to 23, the proportion of samples testing positive for influenza at clinical laboratories went from 8.4% to 14.0%, and the percentage of people seeking outpatient care for influenza-like illness (ILI) increased from 2.7% to 3.5% over last week’s report, according to the CDC.

The CDC says that the best bet for fighting the flu is to get a flu shot. Check with your physician or your county health department.

According to the CDC's definition, influenza (also known as the flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by flu viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The flu is different from a cold. The flu usually comes on suddenly. People who have the flu often feel some or all of these symptoms:

  • Fever* or feeling feverish/chills
  • Cough
  • Sore throat
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Muscle or body aches
  • Headaches
  • Fatigue (tiredness)
  • Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.
    * It’s important to note that not everyone with flu will have a fever.

Widespread influenza activity was reported by 23 states:

  • Alabama
  • Arizona
  • Arkansas
  • California
  • Connecticut
  • Idaho
  • Illinois
  • Indiana
  • Kentucky
  • Louisiana
  • Maryland
  • Massachusetts
  • Mississippi
  • Missouri
  • New York
  • North Dakota
  • Ohio
  • Oklahoma
  • Oregon
  • South Carolina
  • Texas
  • Virginia
  • Wisconsin

Regional influenza activity was reported by Puerto Rico and 23 states:

  • Alaska
  • Colorado
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Iowa
  • Kansas
  • Maine
  • Michigan
  • Minnesota
  • Montana
  • Nebraska
  • Nevada
  • New Hampshire
  • New Jersey
  • New Mexico
  • North Carolina
  • Pennsylvania
  • Rhode Island
  • South Dakota
  • Tennessee
  • Vermont
  • Washington
  • Wyoming

Local influenza activity was reported by the District of Columbia and four states:

  • Delaware
  • Hawaii
  • Utah
  • West Virginia

Sporadic activity was reported by the U.S. Virgin Islands. Guam did not report. Geographic spread data show how many areas within a state or territory are seeing flu activity.