By Bill Peckham
Two weeks ago the CDC changed how they presented the data for percent of patient visits reported through the U.S. Outpatient Influenza-like Illness Surveillance Network. I created the image below based on the previous reporting style of layering each year's data:
Now for the last two weeks the CDC has been presenting the data as a continuous line with one year following on the one before:
The same data is being displayed in each graph but the upper graph gives a clearer picture of the current situation. Right now when influenza like illness should be at a yearly low ebb, influenza like illness is more prevalent than at any time during the peak of recent flu seasons.
This chart is updated to October 24; going by news reports the H1N1 virus is increasing in prevalence. I may have to extend my Y axis beyond 10%.
Dear Bill,
It is a shame that the CDC has forgone data collection of the current CFR since the schools opened. Looking at the increased rate of death in young children and the fact that the CDC has chosen to keep the schools open bodes a continued and long episode of pandemic flu this winter in the US. Once we have been fortunate enough to pass through these times, Lord willing, I believe that when we compare the responses of the US health agencies to that of other developed nations, it is likely that our choices will be suspect for criticism. In fact, many have already criticized these choices.
Posted by: Peter Laird, MD | October 31, 2009 at 12:38 PM
People over 65 did not respond as strongly, but still got enough of an immune reaction that they should seek out the shots when their turn comes.
Posted by: tisane | November 03, 2009 at 02:47 AM