MMWR – Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report

1. Self-Reported Influenza-Like Illness During the 2009 H1N1 Influenza Pandemic — United States, September 2009–March 2010

CDC Division of News and Electronic Media
(404) 639-3286

CDC is publishing a report of community-based surveillance of self-reported influenza-like illness (ILI) and health-care-seeking behavior during the 2009-2010 influenza season. Most influenza surveillance is done in hospitals or doctor's offices. This study monitored ILI by calling people at home and asking them questions about their symptoms. Community-based surveillance of ILI described in this report provided the only source of information regarding persons with ILI who did not seek care during the 2009-10 influenza season. Results indicate that ILI reports were widespread during the 2009-10 influenza season, with a substantial percentage seeking care for their symptoms. The study finds that reported ILI was highest in October and November and was more common among younger respondents and American Indian/Alaska Native adults and children. CDC continues to use the ILI questions during the 2010–11 influenza season to better understand year-to-year trends and factors associated with reported ILI.

2. CDC Grand Rounds: Childhood Obesity in the United States

CDC Division of News and Electronic Media
(404) 639-3286

This article reprises a series of presentations of the CDC Public Health Grand Rounds on Childhood Obesity (www.cdc.gov/about/grand-rounds). The rapid increases in obesity prevalence during the 1980s and 1990s have led to 17 percent of children and adolescents and 34 percent of adults being obese. The adverse consequences of obesity among adults, which include diabetes, heart disease, and cancer already account for almost 10 percent of expenditure in medical care. Nonetheless, a variety of strategies and programs around the country that focus on increases in breastfeeding, fruit and vegetable consumption, and physical activity, and reductions in television time, and the consumption of sugar drinks and foods high in fat and sugar have already begun to make a difference.

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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES