Thursday, March 22, 2012

Respiratory Viral Isolates in Southern California

INFLUENZA!

Influenza is on the RISE and RSV remains steady with only a slight decrease over the past week. We are still seeing >10% of specimens positive (endemic levels), much later a season than last year. As for influenza, a very late and relatively mild season but we are seeing increasing numbers of Influenza A (mostly 2009 H1N1) and some Influenza B. Human metapneumovirus, so strong over the past few weeks is decreasing in numbers. Stay tuned.

RSV Activity in Southern California

Friday, March 16, 2012

RSV and Influenza A running neck and neck!

So FINALLY we have seen the arrival of influenza A and RSV close at its heels!
The number of RSV positives equaled the number of influenza A isolates in Southern California last week (at least at our testing sites-usually sicker kids given that this does not include those rapid tests done in offices!)
The influenza we are seeing is primarily influenza A and a mix of H3 and H1N1. We also have seen some influenza B circulating.
So far, the strains we are seeing are those contained in the seasonal vaccine. It's NOT TOO late to vaccinate. We are having a late season!

RSV in Southern California

Respiratory Viral Activity

Friday, March 02, 2012

Respiratory Viral Activity

RSV Activity in Southern California