Philadelphia Influenza Surveillance Updates:

PDPH tracks influenza activity in Philadelphia, especially severe influenza disease. Providers should report all hospitalized influenza cases, influenza deaths in children, and influenza outbreaks in closed settings like long-term care facilities and shelters.

Week 15: For week 15, flu-like illnesses at emergency departments increased for all age groups. Additionally, 214 specimens were reported as positive for influenza A or B from our sentinel hospitals. Influenza activity continues to increase, though activity has slowed compared to previous weeks. Since Oct 3, 2021, there have been 183 reports of severe influenza (Philadelphia resident, positive by rapid test, PCR or culture, and hospitalized for ≥ 24 hrs). Ten influenza outbreaks have been reported this season (≥ 1 case of lab confirmed flu reported in a long term care facility or other high-risk congregate setting). No influenza-associated death was reported for week 15, and three have been reported thus far this season.

Current Report: Click here to download the last weekly report of influenza activity (from April 10 through April 16, 2022) in a printable format.

State and National Influenza Surveillance Updates:

Pennsylvania: As of April 16, 2022, the Pennsylvania Department of Health (PADOH) reported that flu activity decreased slightly this week, with moderate activity overall. There have been 66,143 laboratory confirmed cases of influenza (positive by rapid test, PCR, or culture) reported so far this season, with influenza A remaining as the predominant type. There have been confirmed reports from all 67 counties. Fifty five deaths have been reported so far this season. For more information, please visit: https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/disease/Flu/ Pages/2021-22-Flu.aspx

United States: Please note CDC’s week 1 5 update is pending. As of April 9, 2022, the CDC reported that seasonal influenza activity was still increasing across the country. In week 14, clinical laboratories reported 3,902 specimens (8.4%) of 46,198 specimens tested positive for influenza. The majority of virus detections have been influenza A(H3N2). Outpatient visits for respiratory illness increased slightly in week 14, and remain below the national baseline. However, hospitalizations for influenza have continued to increase. Three jurisdictions reported moderate activity and one jurisdiction reported high influenza activity. For more information, please visit: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm