The United States is experiencing a significant surge in influenza and other seasonal illnesses, leading to temporary school closures in several states. The closures, reminiscent of the COVID-19 pandemic, are primarily driven by the high number of sick students and staff, and experts anticipate that the flu season will continue to intensify for several weeks.
Schools across the United States are grappling with a surge in influenza and other seasonal illnesses, prompting temporary closures and a shift to remote learning in some areas. As the 2024-2025 flu season intensifies, with no clear peak in sight, many school systems find themselves overwhelmed by the number of sick students and staff. Schools and entire districts are temporarily shutting down in states like Texas, Ohio, Georgia, and Tennessee, reminiscent of the COVID-19 lockdown era.
However, these closures are generally shorter, lasting only a few days, as the primary culprit is influenza.Influenza is a highly contagious respiratory illness that can cause a range of unpleasant symptoms, including fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny nose, and body aches, typically lasting for a week. The virus spreads easily from person to person. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that influenza activity is high nationwide and continues to rise. Flu-related emergency room visits and hospitalizations are also on the upswing, with cases particularly surging among children. Dr. Jason Newland, the division chief of infectious diseases at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, expresses concern about bacterial infections that can develop alongside influenza, potentially causing severe illness in children. He emphasizes the seriousness of influenza and its potential complications, pointing out that it can even be fatal in children.Dr. Torey Mack, the chief medical officer of the Children’s Hospital Association, acknowledges the challenges posed by the current viral surge. According to CDC estimates, this flu season has already resulted in at least 20 million illnesses, 250,000 hospitalizations, and 11,000 deaths from influenza. Dr. William Schaffner, professor of infectious diseases at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, notes that the flu season has been prolonged and moderately severe, with no signs of abating. Typically, flu activity peaks between December and February, but this year's season started later than usual, intensifying in December and accelerating after the holidays. Experts predict that the peak is yet to come, with elevated flu activity expected to persist for several weeks. Schools, being enclosed environments where children congregate closely and share objects, provide fertile ground for the spread of germs. Dr. Schaffner explains that school closures, while concerning, are not unexpected during a significant outbreak. He suggests that closing schools temporarily can help slow the spread of the virus. Schools are also using this opportunity for deep cleaning and sanitization, aiming to minimize the risk of further transmission
SCHOOL CLOSURES FLU ILLNESSES SURGE CDC COVID-19 TEMPORARY SHUTDOWNS RESPIRATORY ILLNESS
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