CDC: Influenza low, gaining in southeast

ATLANTA, Dec. 23 (UPI) -- U.S. influenza activity from Oct. 3 to Dec. 11 was low overall, with co-circulation of influenza A (H3N2), 2009 A (H1N1) and B viruses, health officials say.

A report published in Thursday's Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report says regional differences in influenza activity have been noted, with the highest levels seen in the southeastern states -- Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee -- where influenza B viruses have predominated.

Influenza activity likely will continue to increase in the weeks ahead and there is still plenty of time to get vaccinated.

"During the 2009–10 season, as a result of pandemic 2009 influenza A (H1N1) circulation, influenza activity peaked unusually early (late October); however, during 22 of the 27 influenza seasons before the 2009–2010 season, influenza activity peaked in January or later," the report says.

Healthcare providers should offer influenza vaccination throughout the influenza season to protect as many persons as possible from influenza virus infection and its complications, the CDC says.

Everyone older than six months is advised to get a flu shot.