ATLANTA, May 24 (UPI) -- Health officials said Friday 146 influenza-associated pediatric deaths were reported during the U.S. flu season, which is nearly over.
The weekly flu report of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta said for the week that ended last Saturday, the proportion of out-patient visits for influenza-like illness was 0.9 percent -- far less than the national baseline of 2.2 percent. Baseline influenza activity is the level influenza activity that remains throughout the year once flu season ends. Usually, there is a six- to 12-week period in winter when influenza activity rises above the baseline threshold.