Seasonal Influenza Statistics
Seasonal influenza, also known as the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It occurs every year during the flu season (typically November-April). The symptoms of seasonal influenza include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills, and fatigue. Most people recover from the flu within a few days to two weeks, but it can lead to more serious complications, particularly in high-risk populations such as the elderly, young children, and those with underlying health conditions.
We track seasonal influenza for several reasons. One of the main reasons is to monitor the spread of the virus and to understand how it is evolving over time. By tracking the number of flu cases and the strains of the virus that are circulating, public health officials can predict which strains are most likely to cause illness in the coming flu season and use this information to develop vaccines and other prevention strategies.
Tracking seasonal influenza can also help us understand the impact of the virus on public health. By monitoring the number of cases, hospitalizations, and deaths attributed to the flu, we can identify trends and patterns and develop strategies to reduce the impact of the virus.
Finally, tracking seasonal influenza can help us communicate important information to the you about the risk of the virus and the importance of prevention measures such as vaccination, hand hygiene, and social distancing. This can help you make informed decisions about your health and take steps to protect yourself and your community.
Additional Information
Cases – Includes laboratory tested, confirmed and probable cases of influenza type A and B.
Flu Season – A yearly time period of increased flu activity, typically October thru April.
Incidence Rate – Number of positive and probable cases of influenza in a month divided by total population of Bridgeport based on US 2020 Census times 100,000.
Influenza (the flu) – A contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. While there are multiple types of influenza virus, types A and B are the ones seen in seasonal flu cases typically. Most experts believe that flu viruses spread mainly by tiny droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze, or talk. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people who are nearby. Less often, a person might get flu by touching a surface or object that has flu virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose or possibly their eyes.
Influenza Like Illness – The clinical diagnosis of influenza. Usually confirmed by laboratory diagnosis but can occasionally include other respiratory illnesses cause by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), pneumonia, SARS, and others.
The reports posted are based on the data from Connecticut Disease Surveillance System (CTEDSS), Connecticut Department of Public Health Flu Tracker, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention FluView. This data is preliminary and subject to change. All reports from previous weeks will be updated as new reports are created and data errors are corrected.
Bridgeport Health Department monitors influenza cases to ensure our community is knowledgeable about the levels of disease activity and spread. This report provides aggregate data on a biweekly basis, or more frequently if activity levels deem it necessary, for influenza cases and influenza like illness rates in Bridgeport as well as Connecticut, surrounding counties, and the U.S. The report is subject to change as data errors are corrected and new data becomes available.