The US is seeing a surge in flu cases, with nearly 8% of outpatient visits for respiratory illness last week due to the flu. This marks the highest level since at least 2009, when the swine flu pandemic occurred.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 31.6% of tests came back positive for the flu during the week ending Feb. 8. The data also shows that flu deaths have surpassed COVID deaths, with at least 29 million illnesses reported so far this season.
Pediatric flu deaths are a concern, with at least 68 reported so far. Experts warn that February is typically when flu season peaks most often, and activity may continue to rise in the coming weeks.
Despite elevated COVID-19 activity in some areas, emergency department visits remain low, and lab test positivity rates are stable. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity has declined in many parts of the US.
Public health experts urge vaccination against the flu, COVID, and RSV for children, adults, and older adults, but coverage remains low. As of Feb 1, only 45% of adults have been vaccinated against the flu, while 22.6% have received the updated COVID-19 vaccine, and just 46% of those aged 75+ have received the RSV vaccine.
The CDC estimates that at least 370,000 hospitalizations and 16,000 deaths have occurred so far this season. The surge in flu cases highlights the importance of staying informed and taking preventive measures to protect against respiratory illnesses.
Source: https://abcnews.go.com/Health/doctors-visits-flu-continuing-reach-record-levels-cdc/story?id=118843709