Fewer states (43) reported widespread influenza activity in the week ending November 14 than in previous weeks, the CDC reported Friday. Still, the activity was higher than is often seen at the peak of influenza seasons.

A media briefing highlighted the following:

• The downward trend in influenza activity is widespread but not universal and may be temporary.
• More than 99 percent of subtyped influenza A viruses have been 2009 H1N1.
• H1N1 vaccine supply continues to increase, although it remains behind schedule.
• Ongoing surveillance has not detected unusual adverse events associated with the new H1N1 vaccine.
• Among the H1N1-associated deaths in children without risk factors, bacterial coinfection has been common, particularly staphylococcal and pneumococcal pneumonia.

The CDC also initiated a four-point travel health campaign: Travel only if well; wash hands often with soap or sanitizer; cough and sneeze into a tissue or sleeve; and get vaccinated when possible, especially if you’re in a target population.

Link(s):

• CDC news briefing transcript (Free)
• CDC’s FluView (Free)
• Watch H1N1 Influenza Center (Free)