Flu Season Sees Significant Spike in Cases and Deaths Across the US
According to recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the flu season is proving to be particularly severe, with at least 5,000 deaths and 11 million cases reported as of December 27. The number of doctor’s visits for flu-like illnesses has also reached its highest level in decades, with 8.2% of outpatient visits nationwide being flu-related. This surge in cases has led to 120,000 hospitalizations and 5,000 deaths, including nine pediatric deaths.
The CDC has reported that 48 jurisdictions are experiencing “high” or “very high” levels of flu activity, with only four having low or minimal levels. Nevada has insufficient data to determine its flu activity level. The agency uses the proportion of outpatient visits to healthcare providers for influenza-like illnesses, including a fever plus a cough or sore throat, to measure flu activity levels in each jurisdiction.
Understanding the Cause of the Spike
A new subtype of influenza A, known as H3N2, is spreading rapidly and fueling this year’s cases, according to experts. The CDC reported that of the 994 influenza viruses that tested positive for flu between December 20 and December 27, 971 of them had influenza A. When 600 of those specimens were subtyped, 91.2% of them were found to be H3N2. This strain is known to cause severe flu seasons, especially among seniors, and is harder for the immune system to recognize.
Vaccination Rates and Recommendations
Despite the severity of the flu season, fewer people have received the flu vaccine. The CDC estimated that about 130 million doses of the flu vaccine had been given this year. The agency recently announced updates to its recommended childhood vaccine schedule, which included saying that children who are not high-risk should engage in “shared clinical decision-making” with their doctor about whether to get the flu vaccine. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics has called these changes “dangerous” and will continue to share their own recommendations.
Dr. Ronald G. Nahass, president of the Infectious Diseases Society of America, stated, “Making these changes amid ongoing outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases shows a disregard for the real confusion families already face.” The CDC’s updates have sparked concern among medical professionals, highlighting the importance of staying informed and following credible sources for health advice.
For more information on the flu season and vaccination recommendations, visit the CDC website. To stay up-to-date on the latest news and developments, follow reputable sources such as Here.
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