2017 considered one of longest- and latest-running flu seasons

ATLANTA — The 2016/2017 influenza season is still ongoing. According to the latest statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, flu incidence is still tracking above the national baseline, making this year both the longest-running season and the latest-running season in recent memory.



Last week the CDC reported a weighted national percentage of visits for influenza-like illnessess of 2.6%, still well above the 2.2% national baseline that indicates the beginning and end of a season. While this year started a little later than years past, it has already run a 17-week course and is still tracking. By comparison, the 2014/2015 season extended for approximately 16 weeks from start to finish.



Last year, ILI was above the 2.2% national baseline for only 11 weeks during the season, cresting at 3.6%. This year, ILI incidence reached a high mark of 5.1%.