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New CDC Study Identifies Timing of Seasonal Flu Epidemics for 25 Countries in Africa

A new CDC study published in the Lancet Global Health looked at 10 years of laboratory flu data from 25 African countries in order to provide new, policy-relevant information about when to expect annual flu epidemics. Based on these high-quality data, the study was able to identify and describe historical flu epidemics, characterize typical yearly activity, and explore optimal times for interventions. Additionally, identifiable flu epidemic periods can be used to recommend when to start vaccination campaigns with either the northern or southern hemisphere flu vaccine formulations, when to launch antiviral treatment messaging to clinicians, and similarly when to promote preventive measures such handwashing. These findings further support the value of partnerships to enhance global flu surveillance. See more from the CDC here.