The flu season has reached its peak, with 40 states reporting high or very high levels of illness last week, according to the latest CDC data. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Carrie Reed noted that there are many viruses causing fever, cough, and other symptoms similar to the flu.
The flu virus is trending higher than other germs, with several strains driving cases, but no dominant one. Pediatric hospitals have seen a surge in RSV cases, but now influenza has also increased, according to Dr. Jason Newland of Nationwide Children’s Hospital.
Flu activity was high in the South, Southwest, and western US, while states in the northern Great Plains and New England reported lesser amounts of illness. The CDC estimates 5.3 million flu illnesses, 63,000 hospitalizations, and 2,700 deaths so far this season.
Health officials recommend annual flu vaccination for everyone over 6 months old and advise avoiding close contact with people who are sick, washing hands regularly, and cleaning frequently touched surfaces.
The CDC is also monitoring an increase in norovirus illnesses and a rare type of bird flu. However, the risk to the public remains low due to mostly direct contact with infected animals.
Source: https://apnews.com/article/flu-season-holidays-cdc-d6abb791c7a2a8541170aa60555c5de1