Publication Date
7-22-2022
Journal
Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR)
Abstract
Before the emergence of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, influenza activity in the United States typically began to increase in the fall and peaked in February. During the 2021-22 season, influenza activity began to increase in November and remained elevated until mid-June, featuring two distinct waves, with A(H3N2) viruses predominating for the entire season. This report summarizes influenza activity during October 3, 2021-June 11, 2022, in the United States and describes the composition of the Northern Hemisphere 2022-23 influenza vaccine. Although influenza activity is decreasing and circulation during summer is typically low, remaining vigilant for influenza infections, performing testing for seasonal influenza viruses, and monitoring for novel influenza A virus infections are important. An outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) is ongoing; health care providers and persons with exposure to sick or infected birds should remain vigilant for onset of symptoms consistent with influenza. Receiving a seasonal influenza vaccine each year remains the best way to protect against seasonal influenza and its potentially severe consequences.
Keywords
COVID-19, Humans, Influenza A Virus, H3N2 Subtype, Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype, Influenza B virus, Influenza Vaccines, Influenza, Human, Population Surveillance, SARS-CoV-2, Seasons, United States
Included in
Community Health and Preventive Medicine Commons, Influenza Virus Vaccines Commons, Medical Specialties Commons