The 2013–14 influenza season began early, was pH1N1 predominant,
and was relatively more severe than recent influenza seasons for adults aged
less than 65 years. This season is a reminder that influenza viruses can affect
all ages and that yearly vaccination is the best step to take to prevent
illness from influenza and its associated complications. The 2013-14 influenza
season was the first Influenza A (H1N1) pdm09 (pH1N1) predominant season since
the 2009 pandemic. It was characterized by lower overall levels of outpatient
illness and mortality than influenza A (H3N2)–predominant seasons, but higher
rates of hospitalization among adults aged 18–64 years compared to recent
years. Although influenza activity is typically low in the summer, cases of
influenza and even influenza outbreaks occur in the United States throughout
the summer. Healthcare providers should remain vigilant and consider influenza
as a potential cause of summer respiratory illnesses, and should consider
treatment with influenza antiviral medications for those at high risk for
influenza-associated complications
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