While most states are still reporting some cases, overall H1N1 incidence is dropping in some parts of the U.S., according to a new update from the CDC.
The latest H1N1 flu report cited cases in 43 states, down from 46 in the last report. While CDC officials aren't ready to say that the flu has peaked, but other observers have suggested that this is the case.
For example, laboratory services provider Quest Diagnostics has concluded that flu rates may have hit their high point in October. Quest, which analyzed results of more than 142,000 de-identified patient specimens tested for the H1N1 influenza virus between May 11 and Nov. 10 in the U.S., found that in the weeks following Oct. 27, H1N1 test demand declined after several weeks of strong growth.
CDC officials are taking a more guarded approach, warning that even if flu rates are falling, they could surge again. When a peak happens, half of those who are likely to catch the virus still haven't done so, according to Dr. Anne Schuchat, director of the CDC's National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases.
To learn more about the U.S. H1N1 status:
- read these UPI articles (here and here)
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