The flu is hitting a second peak in the U.S., with at least 41 states reporting high or very high levels of the virus. According to recent data, there have been over 20 million cases, 250,000 hospitalizations, and 11,000 deaths so far this season.
Dr. Rabia de Latour, a gastroenterologist at NYU Langone Health, attributes the surge to several factors, including decreased immunity due to pandemic precautions, lower vaccination rates, and an “immunity gap” in society as a whole. She emphasizes that it’s not too late to get a flu shot, which can be administered to anyone 6 months and older.
The flu is contagious from one day before symptoms begin to up to five to seven days after becoming sick. At-home flu tests can help determine the illness and prevent its spread. While there is no definitive treatment for the flu, antiviral medication Tamiflu can reduce symptom duration in high-risk individuals such as immunocompromised patients, young children, pregnant women, and those with severe comorbidities.
Additionally, whooping cough cases are on the rise, with a 27% increase nationwide. This highly contagious illness poses significant risks for infants and young children due to their small airways. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that an effective vaccine is part of a combined vaccine called Tdap, which protects against tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis. However, babies under 2 months cannot receive the vaccine, leaving them vulnerable until then.
Source: https://www.cbsnews.com/news/flu-second-peak-vaccine-what-to-know