The flu — while still active — continues to slow

Flu remains "active" in the U.S., although rates of infection continue to drop, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Friday.

By the numbers: As of March 3, the rate of people seeing a doctor for influenza-like illness was 3.7% — lower than prior week's 4.9%, but higher than 2.2% baseline. Lab-confirmed hospitalization rates reached 74.5 per 100,000. And, 5 more pediatric deaths were reported, bringing the total this season to 119.

What's next: Health officials at a congressional hearing Thursday said after this rough flu season, they are working on better flu vaccine methods (per STAT) and antiviral medications (via CNN).