Flu death estimate hits 14,000, CDC says

The CDC estimates flu has caused 26 million illnesses, 250,000 hospitalizations and 14,000 deaths this season, according to the agency's most recent FluView report.

Six things to know:

1. The mortality rate attributed to flu and pneumonia remains below epidemic levels.

2. However, the CDC confirmed 14 additional pediatric flu deaths in the week ending Feb. 8, bringing the total to 92 for the 2019-20 season.

3. The overall flu hospitalization rate increased to 41.9 per 100,000 population. Hospitalization rates for children and young adults continue to surpass levels seen at this time in previous flu seasons.

4. While influenza B has been the predominant flu strain this season, the CDC is starting to see an increasing proportion of influenza A cases nationwide.

5. Forty-four states experienced high flu-like illness activity, down one state from a week prior. Nevada and Oregon experienced moderate activity, while Alaska and Florida had low activity.

6. Flu activity remained widespread in every state but Hawaii and Oregon for the week ending Feb. 8.

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