This news article discusses the current flu season in the United States, highlighting its intensity and urging people to get vaccinated. It compares flu activity to other respiratory viruses like COVID-19 and RSV, noting that the flu is currently trending higher. The article also provides data on the number of flu cases, hospitalizations, and deaths reported so far this season.
U.S. health officials recommend that everyone 6 months and older get an annual flu vaccination, and they say it’s not too late to get a shot. For many Americans, with 40 states reporting high or very high levels of illness last week, according to the latest data. Of course, there are a number of bugs that cause fever, cough, sore throat and other flu-like symptoms. One is COVID-19 .
Another is RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, which is a common cause of cold-like symptoms but can be dangerous for infants and the elderly. The most recent CDC hospitalization data and other indicators show that the flu virus is trending higher than the other germs, Reed said. Several seasonal flu strains are driving cases, with no dominant one, she added. Pediatric hospitals have been busy since November with RSV, but “influenza has now joined the party,” said Dr. Jason Newland, an infectious diseases specialist at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. It’s cold and flu season again, which means you could be left wondering which virus is causing your symptoms. Here’s what you need to know. One indicator of flu activity is the percentage of doctor’s office visits driven by flu-like symptoms. That level last week was about equal to the peak of last winter’s respiratory virus season — which occurred at the same time of year. Reed noted that most people avoid medical appointments over the holidays if they can help it, so the data in late December might be skewed by people who came down with sudden illnesses. Last week's flu activity was particularly intense in the South, Southwest and western U.S. The states reporting lesser amounts of suffering were mostly in the northern Great Plains and in New England. So far this season, the CDC estimates, there have been at least 5.3 million flu illnesses, 63,000 hospitalizations, and 2,700 deaths — including at least 11 children. It’s not clear if this winter respiratory virus season will be any worse than other
FLU VACCINATION RESPIRATORY VIRUS RSV COVID-19
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Flu Cases Surge Nationally, Exceeding Last Season's PeaksThe CDC reports a significant increase in flu-related emergency room visits nationwide, surpassing last year's highs. Western states are particularly hard hit, with Oregon experiencing a three-fold increase in flu cases compared to the previous year.
Read more »
Flu Cases Surge as US Enters Flu SeasonThe US is experiencing a rise in flu cases as the country enters flu season. Doctors are seeing an increase in both hospitalizations and community-based metrics.
Read more »
Cedar Fever Season Peaks in TexasThe Lone Star State is bracing for a strong cedar fever season, with symptoms hitting early this year. Dr. Ronald Cox explains the unique nature of this allergy and offers tips for relief.
Read more »
Flu cases rising among kids as flu vaccine rates hit a decade-lowErika Edwards is a health and medical news writer and reporter for NBC News and 'TODAY.'
Read more »
Virus Hunters Track Global Threats from Flu to Bird FluDr. Rodgers, a virus hunter, discusses the constant evolution of viruses and the importance of global monitoring. She highlights the risks posed by circulating respiratory viruses like RSV, flu, and COVID-19, especially during the holiday season. Rodgers also emphasizes the need to watch avian influenza (H5N1) as human cases increase, despite remaining mild so far.
Read more »
Bird Flu and Human Flu Co-Infection Could Lead to Dangerous New Virus MutationsAgencies warn that combined infection with bird flu and human flu could lead to mutations of new viruses with dangerous public health consequences. This follows news of bird flu mutations in a Louisiana patient and a Canadian teenager, both experiencing severe symptoms. The CDC advises Americans, especially high-risk individuals like farmworkers, to get the flu vaccine this season to potentially reduce the risk of co-infection and subsequent new virus formation.
Read more »