The nation is within the midst of one of many earliest and most virulent influenza seasons on report, in keeping with the newest information from the Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention.
The variety of individuals hospitalized with flu almost doubled throughout Thanksgiving week — 19,593 in comparison with 11,378 individuals admitted to the hospital the week prior. Of the individuals hospitalized with flu, most have been aged 65 or older.
On Friday, the CDC reported that flu is spreading at excessive ranges in 45 states, even in Southern states and others the place the virus has been spreading since October. The CDC additionally warned that flu vaccination charges amongst pregnant individuals, who’re at particularly excessive threat of extreme complication from the virus, is down 12% up to now this season, in comparison with final yr.
“We’re seeing excessive ranges of exercise just about in every single place,” stated Alicia Budd, an epidemiologist within the Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention’s flu division, stated. “It’s doubtless in your neighborhood.”
As of Nov. 26, solely Alaska, Michigan and Vermont reported low flu transmission.
Consultants fear infections will enhance nationwide following Thanksgiving gatherings.
“We’re not at peak but,” Budd stated. “We’ll be seeing elevated exercise for a number of extra weeks, at the very least.”
Thus far this season, almost 9 million Individuals have fallen unwell with the flu. Roughly 4,500 have died, in keeping with CDC estimates. Older adults are most in danger, however flu has killed 14 kids since October.
The inflow of extreme influenza sickness has converged with different circulating respiratory viruses, notably Covid and RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus.
RSV has been notably onerous on kids in latest months. As of Dec. 2, 77% of pediatric hospital beds nationwide have been full, in keeping with Well being and Human Providers information.
There isn’t a information but to point out how protecting this yr’s flu vaccine is in opposition to the present strains. Anecdotally, the pictures seem like working.
Dr. Kavita Patel stated that “virtually all people” she’s seen take a look at optimistic for flu at Mary’s Heart, a neighborhood well being middle in Maryland, is unvaccinated.
Most, she stated, report shaking chills, fever, sore throat and cough.
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