The United States is experiencing its most intense flu season in 15 years, with historically low vaccination rates contributing to the spike. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), only 44% of adults and 46% of children have received flu shots this season. As a result, flu cases are on the rise, surpassing cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and Covid-19.
Young people under the age of 24 are particularly affected by the flu, with eleven pediatric flu deaths reported in the US, raising the season’s total to 68. The CDC recommends that everyone aged 6 months and older be vaccinated against seasonal flu, while also noting that antiviral flu drugs are available for treatment.
The Midwest region has the highest rates of test positivity, with overall test positivity at clinical labs reaching 31.6% last week. California has reported at least 561 flu-related deaths, mostly among individuals aged over 65. Medical professionals are concerned about the simultaneous circulation of two influenza A strains — H1N1 and H3N2 — in roughly equal amounts.
Symptoms of influenza include fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches and pains, headaches, fatigue, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, serious complications can occur, including heart inflammation, encephalitis, and multi-organ failure. To stay healthy this flu season, experts recommend getting vaccinated, covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when sneezing or coughing, avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, cleaning and disinfecting frequently, washing hands frequently, and scrubbing for 20 seconds to remove harmful germs.
Source: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/international/global-trends/us-news-flu-cases-spike-influenza-california-hospitals-full-to-the-brim-as-us-flu-cases-spike-has-flu-deaths-surpassed-covid-19-victims/articleshow/118390981.cms?from=mdr