This year's influenza season in the United States is breaking records, with hospitalization and death rates significantly exceeding those seen in the early 2000s. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports a surge in flu activity across the country, leading to school closures and raising concerns about the severity of the outbreak.
Newly released data reveals that the current U.S. flu season is breaking records, surpassing numbers observed since the early 2000s when swine flu ravaged the nation. Data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) on Friday morning indicated that nearly 50,000 individuals were hospitalized due to influenza, and tragically, 10 children succumbed to seasonal flu during the fifth week of 2023.
The CDC estimates that there have been at least 24 million illnesses, 310,000 hospitalizations, and 13,000 deaths attributed to the flu this season, which commenced on October 1st. Approximately 60 of these fatalities were children.While cases of COVID-19 and RSV appear to be declining nationwide, the flu, which typically reaches its peak in February, has compelled some states to temporarily shut down schools, according to The Associated Press. The Godley Independent School District, serving 3,200 Texas students, closed for multiple days last week after nearly 700 students and staff were absent on a single day, the AP reported. School district spokesperson Jeff Meador stated that this has been the most severe flu season he recalls.Of the 50 states, 43 reported high or very high flu activity during the fifth week of 2023, according to CDC data. The highest activity was concentrated in Texas, New Mexico, Nebraska, Michigan, Ohio, Tennessee, South Carolina, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and New York City, as depicted on a CDC map. Although health officials recommend the annual flu shot for individuals over 6 months of age, only about 44% of adults received flu shots this winter, the AP reported. Vaccinations among children declined from 50% to 45%. The efficacy of this year's flu vaccine remains uncertain. Fox News Digital recently reported that the CDC is closely monitoring reports of a surge in human metapneumovirus (HMPV) in China. HMPV, discovered in 2001, remains at pre-pandemic levels and presents similar symptoms to the common cold, according to the CDC
FLU CDC HOSPITALIZATIONS DEATHS SCHOOL CLOSURES VIRUS RECORD NUMBERS USA
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