Tennessee among U.S. states with 'high' levels of flu activity. Here's where the highest rates are.

Diana Leyva, Nashville Tennessean

According to a nationwide influenza surveillance report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Tennessee is among seven states reporting "high" flu-like symptoms for the 2023-2024 season.

According to the Weekly U.S. Influenza Surveillance Report, Tennessee, California, New Mexico, Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, and New York are the states with "high" reports. Louisiana and South Carolina had "very high" reports.

Th report, which was updated on Dec. 8, examines data from hospitals reporting the number of patients seen for influenza-like illnesses. There have been a total of 12 influenza related deaths reported by the CDC.

Read ahead for more information from the report and the Tennessee Department of Health.

A map by the CDC outlining influenza like illness in the United States for the 2023-2024 season.
A map by the CDC outlining influenza like illness in the United States for the 2023-2024 season.

Key findings from the Weekly U.S. Influenza Surveillance Report

  • Seasonal flu activity continues to increase in most parts of the country, with the southeast and south-central areas of the country reporting the highest levels of activity.

  • Four influenza-associated pediatric deaths were reported during Week 48 (Nov. 26-Dec.2), bringing the 2023-2024 season total to 12 pediatric deaths.

  • The CDC estimates that there have been at least 2.6 million illnesses, 26,000 hospitalizations, and 1,600 deaths from flu so far this season.

  • The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older get an annual flu vaccine, as there are still vaccines available and that now is still a good time to get vaccinated if you haven’t already.

Influenza statistics in Tennessee

According to the Tennessee Department of Health, Tennessee has had a minimal and moderate percentage of outpatient visits for influenza-like illness during its 48th week.

There have been no deaths reported during this time.

The counties with the highest rates are Memphis/Shelby (6.6%), Jackson/Madison County Metro (5.7%), the Northeast Region (5.7%), Chattanooga/Hamilton (5.6%), and Nashville/Davidson County (5.3%).

Total cases per region in Tennessee:

Chattanooga/Hamilton County Metro: 5.6%East Region: 5.0%Jackson/Madison County Metro: 5.7%Knox County Metro: 2.3%Memphis/Shelby County Metro: 6.6%Mid Cumberland Region: 3.2%Nashville/Davidson County Metro: 5.3%Northeast Region: 5.7%Southeast Region: 4.8%South Central Region: 0.0%Sullivan County Metro: 4.5%Upper Cumberland Region: 0.6%West Region: 0.8%

Diana Leyva covers trending news and service for The Tennessean. Contact her at Dleyva@gannett.com or follow her on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter at @_leyvadiana

This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Tennessee among states with high flu activity. These cities are impacted

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