The 2021 Flu Season Ends Passively

According to the latest data published by the World Health Organization (WHO), the 2021 influenza season in the Northern Hemisphere is coming to a close without substantially impacting society.

The WHO's Influenza Update N° 409, based on data up to December 17, 2021, 'influenza activity remains low worldwide but continues to increase in the temperate zones of the Northern Hemisphere.'

As example:

• In North America, influenza detections (predominately A(H3N2) increased) but overall remained low.
• In Europe, influenza activity continued to increase with influenza A(H3N2) predominated. 
• In East Asia, influenza activity continued increasing, but overall, influenza illness indicators and activity remained low. Influenza B (Victoria) has been predominated.

For this WHO report, national Influenza Centres and other national influenza laboratories from 108 countries, areas, or territories reported data to FluNet for data as of 2021-12-17.

Thees WHO laboratories tested more than 234,140 specimens during that time.

Only 7,446 specimens (.03%) were found positive for influenza viruses.

The WHO says 'the current influenza surveillance data should be interpreted with caution as the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has influenced to varying extents health-seeking behaviors, as well as testing priorities and capacities globally.

Moreover, the various personal hygiene measures implemented by Member States to reduce SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus transmission have likely played a role in reducing influenza virus transmission.

During 2021, about 170 million flu shots have been distributed.

The U.S. CDC continues encouraging influenza vaccinations as the 2022 flu season could become elevated anytime.

'Seasonal influenza activity in the United States is increasing, including indicators that track hospitalizations. However, the amount of activity varies by region.'