Flu Cases Surge in New York and Across the US
Flu Season: A Rise in Cases and Hospitalizations
The flu is surging in New York and across the US, with five children reported to have died in the days leading up to Christmas. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), positive tests have climbed a whopping 12% for the week ending December 21, with over 12,000 people across the country hospitalized from the virus, compared to 9,000 the previous week.
Epidemiologist’s Warning
"It’s been increasing at a pretty steady pace now for the past several weeks. So, yeah, we are certainly in flu season now," said Alicia Budd, an epidemiologist in the CDC’s Influenza Division.
Number of Cases and Hospitalizations
This season, the flu has already claimed the lives of approximately 1,500 people across the country, including nine children. Five youngsters’ deaths were recorded between December 15 and 21. Another 3.1 million people have reported contracting the flu, resulting in at least 37,000 hospitalizations, according to the CDC.
No Dominant Strain
No particular strain appears to be dominating at this time, but Budd warned that it’s too early in the season to know how well the flu vaccine will perform in combating the virus.
Regional Outbreaks
Outbreaks have particularly exploded in 13 states this week, including Tennessee, Oregon, and Louisiana. New York State saw a second straight week of widespread influenza activity, with an 86% surge compared to the previous week, according to state Health Department data.
CDC’s Response
The CDC has announced December 20 as the start of the 2024-25 flu season and urged those over the age of 6 months to vaccinate against the virus. "Flu vaccines vary in how well they work from season to season, but during seasons when vaccine viruses are similar to circulating viruses, vaccination has been shown to reduce the risk of flu illness by 40% and to reduce the risk of flu-related hospitalization by 60%," the federal agency said last week.
Vaccination Rates
Vaccination rates are lower this year, with only 41% of adults and children having received their flu shots as of December 7. This marks a 3% drop in vaccination rates for children compared to last year, according to CDC data.
Conclusion
The flu season is in full swing, with cases and hospitalizations on the rise across the country. It’s crucial that individuals take preventative measures, such as getting vaccinated, to protect themselves and their loved ones from the virus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the current state of the flu season?
A: The flu is surging in New York and across the US, with a 12% increase in positive tests and over 12,000 hospitalizations.
Q: How many people have died from the flu this season?
A: Approximately 1,500 people have died from the flu this season, including nine children.
Q: What is the current vaccination rate for children?
A: As of December 7, only 41% of children have received their flu shots.
Q: What is the CDC’s advice for preventing the spread of the flu?
A: The CDC urges individuals over the age of 6 months to get vaccinated against the flu.
Q: Where can I get a flu shot?
A: You can find a location to get a flu shot at vaccines.gov.
