The US flu season is experiencing a significant spike, with numbers surpassing those from the early 2000s. According to data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 50,000 people were admitted to hospitals with influenza, while 10 children died of seasonal flu. The CDC estimates that there have been at least 24 million illnesses, 310,000 hospitalizations, and 13,000 deaths from the flu so far this season.
The flu season, which started on October 1, has forced schools to temporarily close in some states due to widespread outbreaks. Texas school district Godley Independent School District closed for multiple days after nearly 700 students and staff were absent on a single day. Health officials recommend the annual flu shot, but only about 44% of adults received it this winter, with children’s vaccinations dropping from 50% to 45%.
The CDC is monitoring reports of a spike in human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China, which remains at pre-pandemic levels and presents similar symptoms to the common cold. The data suggests that the current flu season is shattering recent records, with high or very high flu activity reported in 43 states, including Texas, New Mexico, Nebraska, Michigan, Ohio, Tennessee, South Carolina, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and New York City.
Source: https://www.foxnews.com/health/us-seasonal-flu-cases-skyrocket-highest-level-15-years-cdc