The U.S. is experiencing an early flu season with a sharp rise in cases, according to health officials. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported notable increases in indicators such as lab tests and emergency room visits, signifying the spread of the flu across the country.
In recent weeks, flu activity has escalated remarkably. ‘It’s been increasing at a pretty steady pace now for the past several weeks,’ explained Alicia Budd from the CDC. She confirmed the nation is undoubtedly in the midst of flu season. Last week, thirteen states, including Tennessee and Louisiana, experienced high levels of flu-like illness, a number that’s doubled from the previous week.
Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease expert from Vanderbilt University, highlighted the situation in Tennessee. ‘Flu has been increasing, but just this last week has exploded,’ he remarked, noting a significant uptick in patients with flu symptoms at a Nashville clinic. Meanwhile, Dr. Catherine O’Neal from Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge observed, ‘You hear parents saying, “I can’t come to work because of the flu” and “Where can I get a flu test?”’,’Despite the flu being prevalent, other viruses also contribute to flu-like symptoms. COVID-19 and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) remain active, although RSV hospitalizations show signs of stabilizing. National data indicates moderate COVID-19 activity, high in the Midwest, while RSV is particularly high in the South.
The CDC has declared the start of the flu season based on hospital lab results and the percentage of emergency department visits discharged with a flu diagnosis. No single flu strain has emerged as dominant, and it remains too early to determine the flu vaccine’s effectiveness, Budd noted.
Last year’s flu season was lengthy, lasting 21 weeks and resulting in around 28,000 flu-related deaths, with unprecedented danger to children. The CDC observed 205 pediatric deaths, the highest for a conventional flu season. Low vaccination rates among these children were a concerning factor.
Vaccination rates this year continue to lag, with only 41% of adults and a similar percentage of children vaccinated against the flu. Experts urge vaccination as a crucial preventive measure, especially during the holiday season where gatherings could foster virus transmission. Schaffner emphasized, ‘All those gatherings that are so heartwarming and fun and joyous are also an opportunity for this virus to spread person to person.’
However, Louisiana’s health department recently advised residents to consult with doctors about the necessity of flu and COVID-19 vaccines, deviating from previous recommendations to vaccinate en masse. This policy shift has raised concerns over public health safety, with Jennifer Herricks of Louisiana Families for Vaccines warning, ‘People are going to die because of this policy.’
As flu cases rise across the U.S., health experts stress the importance of vaccinations to mitigate illness and protect vulnerable populations. With the flu season underway, it’s vital for individuals to take precautions and stay informed about local health advisories.
Source: Apnews
