US flu season has officially started, with cases surging across much of the country, according to health officials. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported sharp increases in lab tests and emergency room visits. Thirteen states are currently experiencing high or very high levels of flu-like illness.
The Tennessee area is particularly affected, with a sickness spike hitting Nashville. Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious diseases expert, noted that flu cases have increased but “exploded” recently, with as many as a quarter of patients showing flu symptoms in local clinics.
Louisiana and other southern states are also experiencing early hot spots. Health experts stress the importance of vaccination, especially for holiday gatherings where respiratory viruses can spread easily. The CDC reports that COVID-19 hospitalizations have declined since summer, but RSV is still a concern, particularly for infants and the elderly.
Last winter’s flu season was long-lasting and deadly, with 28,000 flu-related deaths reported. This year, vaccination rates are lower than last year, with only about 41% of adults and 44% of children vaccinated against the flu. Experts urge everyone to get vaccinated, especially as people prepare for holiday gatherings.
Source: https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2024/12/22/us-flu-season-is-underway-as-cases-surge-in-some-areas-and-vaccinations-lag