LOS ANGELES, Jan. 16 (Xinhua) -- The United States has recorded at least 18 million influenza illnesses, 230,000 hospitalizations and 9,300 deaths so far during the current flu season, according to the latest estimates released Friday by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The CDC said seasonal influenza activity remains elevated nationwide, though it has decreased or remained stable for two consecutive weeks.
Influenza A(H3N2) viruses have been the most commonly reported strains circulating in the United States this season, the agency noted.
For the week ending Jan. 10, the CDC reported 15 influenza-associated pediatric deaths, bringing the total number of flu-related deaths among children this season to 32.
The CDC said that 90 percent of reported pediatric deaths in the season have occurred in children who were not fully vaccinated against influenza.
In the United States, the flu season usually occurs in the fall and winter, with peak activity usually occurring between December and February, according to the agency.
The CDC continues to urge everyone aged six months and older who has not yet received a flu vaccine this season to get vaccinated as soon as possible. ■
