U.S. flu hospitalizations reach their highest level for this time of year since 2010, even as overall activity remains low nationwide

The U.S. flu hospitalization rate is at its highest level for this point in the year since the 2010 season, according to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention update published Friday. CDC data show that positive flu tests, emergency room visits and hospitalizations have risen since late August and early September. Activity is increasing in parts of the country but remains relatively low nationwide.

The current week’s hospitalization rate is still considered low, but is the highest since the 2009-2010 H1N1 swine flu pandemic season. Adults aged 65 and older have the highest hospitalization rate, followed by adults aged 50 to 64 and children aged zero to four. Louisiana and Hawaii report moderate activity; the remaining states report low or minimal activity.

Data from pharmacy company Walgreens suggests flu activity is about four weeks ahead of recent seasons. California, Florida, Hawaii, Nevada and Washington are among the states with some of the highest activity levels. The CDC recommends an annual flu vaccine for everyone aged six months and older and says prescription antiviral drugs are available to help treat flu. The agency said it is too early to determine which viruses will predominate or what the implications may be for vaccine effectiveness this season.