"Tennessee Tops Nation in Influenza-Like Illness Rates"

Tennessee leads the country with the highest level of influenza-like illness, with the state reporting the highest level of "very high" illness activity. The CDC's latest report shows a total of seven influenza-associated pediatric deaths nationwide, with Tennessee reporting two since October. The Tennessee Department of Health has reported one influenza outbreak and five open outbreaks since October, with varying percentages of outpatient visits for influenza-like illness across different regions of the state. The CDC recommends flu vaccination for everyone six months and older, as well as the use of prescription flu antiviral drugs, especially for higher risk patients.