During week 50 (December 13-19, 2009), influenza activity continued to decrease in the U.S. 306 (6.9%) 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.

Flu activity continued to decline in the United States during the week of December 13-19, 2009, as reported in FluView. The number of states reporting widespread flu activity decreased from 11 to 7. Visits to doctors for influenza-like illness, flu-associated hospitalizations, and flu-associated deaths all declined from the previous week. Flu is unpredictable and activity can rise and fall throughout the season, but flu is is likely to continue for months caused by either 2009 H1N1 viruses or regular seasonal flu viruses. In addition to seasonal flu vaccine, a vaccine against the 2009 H1N1 virus has been produced and is the best way to protect against the pandemic virus. Supplies of this vaccine are increasing and many places have opened up vaccination to anyone who wants it.

This document provides several questions and answers regarding the recent MedImmune voluntary Non-Safety-Related Recall of Specific Lots of Nasal Spray Vaccine for 2009 H1N1 Influenza

This document provides information on the National H1N1 Flu Survey (NHFS) which was conducted to determine who has received the 2009 H1N1 influenza vaccine since its release.

Describes how to treat dry cough.

Describes how to treat other flu symptoms, such as sore throat, chills, aches, pains, congestion, and stomach problems.

Describes how to treat dry cough.

Describes when to get help for fluid loss.

Describes ways to check for dehydration.

Describes tips to prevent dehydration.

Describes how the flu is spread and how to keep yourself and others healthy during flu season.

Describes "emergency warning signs" in adults and children that should signal anyone to seek medical care urgently.

Describes symptoms that people who have the flu often feel and how long people with the flu should stay at home.

Describes people at high risk for developing flu-related complications.

Describes 2009 H1N1 flu and five steps to take if you get 2009 H1N1 flu or seasonal flu.

Revised fact sheet for people 65 and older to reflect the fact that supplies of the vaccine to protect against the 2009 H1N1 virus are increasing and many places have opened up vaccination to anyone who wants it. CDC is now encouraging those who have been patiently waiting to receive the 2009 H1N1 vaccine, including people 65 and older, to get vaccinated depending on local supply.

Revised Fact Sheet for Patients to reflect new amendment for rRT-PCR Swine Flu Panel (also referred to as Swine Flu Test Kit), authorized by FDA on December 18, 2009.

Revised Fact Sheet for Health Care Providers to reflect new amendment for rRT-PCR Swine Flu Panel (also referred to as Swine Flu Test Kit), authorized by FDA on December 18, 2009.

Revised EUA Letter to reflect new amendment for rRT-PCR Swine Flu Panel (also referred to as Swine Flu Test Kit), authorized by FDA on December 18, 2009.

Supplies of the vaccines to protect against the 2009 H1N1 virus are increasing. Providers are encouraged to open up vaccination to anyone who wants it as soon as the needs of the initial prioritized populations have been met. Many places have already opened up vaccination to anyone who wants it and CDC is encouraging people who have been patiently waiting to receive the 2009 H1N1 vaccine to get vaccinated now. Influenza is unpredictable, but flu is expected to continue for months, caused by either 2009 H1N1 viruses or regular seasonal flu viruses. This vaccine is the best way to protect against the 2009 H1N1 pandemic virus