WASHINGTON — This flu season, the D.C. area is largely being spared.
Flu-like illness activity in Virginia is rated as “low,” the second-lowest activity level in the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s weekly flu surveillance report, for the week ending Feb. 20.
According to the recent data, in Maryland activity is “minimal,” which is the lowest activity level.
The levels are based on the percentage of people who are visiting health care providers because of flu-like symptoms.
Flu activity has been higher in certain weeks this season, reaching “moderate” levels in Maryland or Virginia before settling back down.
In the surveillance region that includes D.C., Maryland and Virginia, as well as West Virginia, Pennsylvania and Delaware, just over four percent of lab specimens tested positive for the flu in the recent report. The national rate of positive tests is nearly three times higher. Since early October, no child deaths in the region have been blamed on the flu.
Nationally, CDC statistics show flu-related hospitalizations are down significantly from a year ago.
Still, the flu is a concern at some area hospitals, with Inova Loudoun and Inova Alexandria hospitals placing additional restrictions on visitors to prevent infections.
Adventist Health Care via spokeswoman Tina Sheesley issued a statement Thursday with similar instructions to those with flu-like symptoms:
Even with this year’s mild flu season, Adventist HealthCare facilities have once again posted reminders to our visitors urging those with flu-like symptoms to take precautions. All flu-related safety measures remain in place for our employees. Throughout flu season, we have encouraged members of our community to protect themselves by getting vaccinated at our CentraCare Urgent Care site in Rockville and at our community flu clinics.
