Flu Cases Rising Nationwide, CDC Reports, with Spikes in ER Visits
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released new flu data, defying the Trump administration’s halt on scientific communication from federal health agencies. The data indicates that flu activity remains high and is rising in many parts of the country.
Flu Activity Remains High
According to the CDC, the percentage of tests that came back positive for the flu was 25% as of the week ending January 18, up from 19% the week before. This surge in flu cases is reflected in emergency department visits, with 5.2% of overall visits being attributed to the flu.
Hospitals Prepare for Surge
Hospitals rely on the CDC’s weekly update to prepare for the flu season, which is notoriously unpredictable. "We look at data like this to see what additional resources we might need to bring in," said Dr. Aaron Glatt, chief of infectious diseases at Mount Sinai South Nassau in New York. "It gives us a certain sense of what will happen."
Limited Data Released
The flu information released on Friday did not provide the level of detail normally found in the weekly FluView report, including information on flu strains and the effectiveness of antiviral medications. Additionally, the data does not offer an easy way to compare the rates of flu spread in different areas.
Importance of Accurate Data
Communicable diseases can spread quickly, and it is crucial to have accurate and timely data to track their spread. "It can be a situation where the flu is slowing down in one jurisdiction while speeding up in another," said Leighton Ku, director of the Center for Health Policy Research at George Washington University.
Bird Flu Outbreak
The CDC has also updated its page on the ongoing bird flu outbreak, which has seen a rising number of wild birds sickened by the virus. Dr. Robert Murphy, executive director of the Robert J. Havey Institute for Global Health at Northwestern University, emphasized the need for the CDC and other federal health agencies to be free to report on the rapidly changing bird flu outbreak.
Conclusion
While the lack of detailed data on flu activity may be concerning, experts emphasize that it is not unprecedented for the FluView report to be delayed. However, the CDC’s silence on the matter is a cause for concern, and it is essential for the agency to provide accurate and timely data to help combat the spread of infectious diseases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why was the CDC’s weekly FluView report not released on Friday?
A: The CDC did not provide a direct answer, citing a previous statement about the pause on mass communications and public appearances.
Q: What does the data indicate about the current flu season?
A: The data suggests that flu activity remains high and is rising in many parts of the country, with increases in flu found in wastewater samples, positive flu tests, and flu-related visits to the emergency room.
Q: What are the concerns about the lack of data on flu activity?
A: Experts are concerned that the lack of detailed data may hinder the ability to track the spread of the flu and prepare for the surge in cases, which could lead to a more severe outbreak.
