LOS ANGELES, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- There have been at least 16 million flu illnesses, 180,000 hospitalizations, and 11,000 deaths from flu so far this season in the United States, according to the latest data released Friday by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

       Seasonal influenza activity remains elevated in most parts of the country.

       A total of 47 flu-associated pediatric deaths have been reported in the United States this season, according to CDC.

       After several weeks of increases in key flu indicators through the end of 2023, two weeks of decreasing or stable trends nationally have been noted, said CDC.

       The agency will continue to monitor for a second period of increased influenza activity that often occurs after the winter holidays.