The US is experiencing its worst flu season in more than a decade, with experts warning that flu-related deaths may triple from last year if cases remain high.
According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), flu infections have reached their highest level since 2010-2011, when the swine flu swept across the nation. The CDC estimates that there have been at least 29 million flu infections so far this season, including 370,000 hospitalizations and 16,000 deaths.
The surge in flu cases comes amid concerns about high infection rates for other viruses, including COVID-19 and norovirus. However, health officials say flu cases are among their top concerns right now.
“We’re seeing a confluence of illnesses this season,” said Jen Brull, president of the American Academy of Family Physicians. “It’s not that COVID-19 is getting better, it’s that influenza is getting worse.”
The CDC has also reported more norovirus cases than at any point since 2012, while RSV and COVID-19 infections are on the decline in some areas.
Flu vaccination rates among the general population are at their lowest level in three years, which may be contributing to the surge in flu cases. Experts say it’s not too late to get vaccinated against the flu or COVID-19 this year.
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Source: https://www.yahoo.com/news/everyones-sick-winter-flu-norovirus-110711821.html