While flu activity remains relatively low nationally, the Southeast is experiencing increases in activity, according to the March 14-20, 2010 FluView. Most flu continues to be 2009 H1N1. Flu activity, caused by either 2009 H1N1 or seasonal flu viruses, may rise and fall, but is expected to continue for weeks.

Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR)March 26, 2010 / 59(11);321-326

The purpose of this document is to address questions raised by the 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine with long expiration dates (i.e. 2011).

Audience: State and local H1N1 vaccine planners. Purpose: To describe the key changes that will be effective April 1, 2010 to the distribution of 2009 H1N1 vaccine and supplies.

During week 10 (March 7-13, 2010), influenza activity remained at approximately the same levels as last week in the U.S. 200 (5.6%) specimens tested by U.S. World Health Organization (WHO) and National Respiratory and Enteric Virus Surveillance System (NREVSS) collaborating laboratories and reported to CDC/Influenza Division were positive for influenza.

FluView reports that for the week of March 7-13, 2010, flu activity in the United States was relatively low, with most flu continuing to be caused by 2009 H1N1. Flu activity, caused by either 2009 H1N1 or seasonal flu viruses, may rise and fall, but is expected to continue for weeks. It’s possible that the United States could experience another wave of flu activity caused by either 2009 H1N1 or seasonal influenza.

Major flooding has begun and is forecast to continue through spring in parts of the Midwest according to NOAA’s National Weather Service. The South and East are also more susceptible to flooding as an El Nino influenced winter left the area soggier than usual.

This document provides updated information on obesity and morbid obesity as risk factors for serious 2009 H1N1-related complications based on findings from recent studies.

As one of the snowiest winter seasons in many years yields to warmer weather and the promise of rain and snowmelt, the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s FloodSmart Campaign and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced that they are again working together during Flood Safety Awareness Week (March 15-19) to raise awareness of the dangers associated with flooding and steps to protect against damage.

CDC has again updated its estimates of the total number of 2009 H1N1 cases, hospitalizations and deaths in the United States since April, 2009. The new estimates incorporate an additional four weeks of flu data from the previous estimates released on February 12, 2010.