Copy editors: Jennifer Kolker, MPH, Co-Principal Investigator, Pennsylvania Public Health Training Center; Kurt Holliday, Communications Specialist, Pennsylvania Public Health Training Center
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| Distribution of flu cases reported in Pennsylvania this season by county, 10/02/12 - 01/26/2013 (n=30,286) Source: PA Department of Health |
The 2012-2013 flu season has proved to be one of the worst years for influenza in recent history. It was the second worst flu season since 2003 and one of the earliest flu seasons on record, with the exception of 2009 (H1N1). Flu activity started in late November. This was earlier than the 2003 season, which was mostly over by January. As of the current time, flu is still widespread in 38 states.
Influenza started in the south and moved to Pennsylvania by December. It was widespread in all 50 states and peaked during the last week of December through mid-January. Pennsylvania peaked in the second week of January at ~6,000 cases. By comparison, the 2009 H1N1 season peak was ~8,000 cases. Typical seasons have recently peaked at ~2,500 cases or less. The flu has affected those 65+ most (22.9% of cases), but also substantially affected the 25-49 age group (22.6%). The flu this season is primarily Flu A (90% of cases), and of the H3N2 strain.
While much is known about how flu spreads, we still don’t know what the best practice prevention methods are (such as school closures). The SMART in Schools program is working to better understand how social networks affect flu transmission. You can help by participating in a brief online survey and be entered into a weekly drawing for an Amazon or iTunes gift card. The anonymous survey takes 15 to 45 minutes to complete and is open to any resident of the United States.
For more flu information, visit www.cdc.gov/flu/.
Lab positive flu cases reported in Pennsylvania this season (as of week 5) compared to the last six seasons
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| Source: PA Department of Health |
