The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Issues Urgent Warning as Seasonal Flu Cases Soar Across the United States

The recent update highlights a significant rise in flu-related illnesses, hospitalizations, and fatalities.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported a surge in seasonal flu cases across various regions in the United States

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates, over 2.6 million people have fallen ill, resulting in 26,000 hospitalizations and 1,600 deaths due to the flu this season. During the week ending Dec. 2, around 7% of clinical lab tests confirmed influenza, marking an increase from the previous week’s 6%. Disturbingly, 15 states, primarily in the South and West, witnessed a ‘high’ or severe level of influenza-like illness. States like Louisiana and South Carolina reported ‘very high’ activity. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC) data also showed that eight states moved from ‘moderate’ to ‘high’ activity levels, including Nevada, New Jersey, and North Carolina.

Outpatient visits for flu-like symptoms remained steady at 4.05%, surpassing the national baseline of 2.9%. Hospitalizations due to influenza rose to 5,800 individuals, a notable increase from the previous week’s 4,300 cases. The current flu season’s hospitalization rate stands at 5.5 per 100,000 population.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasized the importance of flu vaccination as a preventive measure

The agency underscored the concurrent spread of respiratory illnesses such as RSV and COVID-19, particularly among young children. Highlighting increased COVID-19 activity, especially in the Midwest and mid-Atlantic regions, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention  (CDC) advocates for widespread flu vaccination to curb the surge in illnesses, hospitalizations, and fatalities. For those seeking protection, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends getting the flu vaccine and provides tools to locate nearby vaccination options.

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