In fact, even though infections are below baseline for this time of year, deaths due to influenza and pneumonia rose sharply nationwide and have been up over the last three weeks, said the CDC's Anne Schuchat in an update to reporters.
At the same time, seasonal flu appears nearly nonexistent, with the swine flu remaining the dominant strain circulating.
So, what does it all mean? It's not too late to get vaccinated, the CDC urges. Supply is plentiful and a shot can still protect you through the season. "We are remaining vigilant here," said Schuchat. "Many people believe the outbreak is over. It's too soon for us to have that kind of complacency."
Still, public health officials can't say whether we are in for a third wave of the virus, which infected 55 million people in the United States from April through December, resulting in 246,000 hospitalizations and 11,160 deaths, the CDC said last month. It's more likely, however, that transmission will continue and so, hospitalizations and more deaths are possible, Schuchat said.
Nevertheless, nearly half of Americans think the whole swine flu deal is over, according to a new survey by Harvard researchers. And just 18 percent think it's "very likely" that we're in for a third outbreak of infections in the next year, the study of about 1,400 adults conducted between Jan. 20 and Jan. 24.
The survey also revealed ongoing skepticism about the vaccine. About 35 percent said they had concerns about the vaccine's safety and another 30 percent don't think they are at risk of serious illness.
Schuchat reiterated that the vaccine is safe. "If safety is the reason you have been waiting, then you can be reassured on that front."
Meanwhile, about 23 percent of Americans -- 70 million people -- have been vaccinated against the H1N1 virus, according to a new CDC survey of about 4,100 adults conducted between Jan. 24 and Jan. 30.
Schuchat said she was encouraged that it seems more parents want to get their children vaccinated. About half of parents either got the vaccine for their children or intend to get it before the end of February, the Harvard survey found. She said CDC data show about 37 percent of children had been vaccinated, but not all of them had received the booster shot recommended for children under 10.
"I encourage parents to get that second dose," she said.
