Flu virus still present in the United States, some areas experiencing increase in cases
News
2 min read
NEW YORK: The flu virus is still present in the United States, with some areas experiencing an increase in cases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released data showing a decline in flu hospitalizations nationwide, but an uptick in respiratory illnesses in certain states.
According to Alicia Budd from the CDC, while the country as a whole has reached its peak, there are still a few regions that haven’t yet peaked.In the Midwest, flu-like illnesses are on the rise, with 23 states reporting high levels, compared to 18 the previous week.
Typically, flu season peaks between December and February, and this season’s peak occurred in late December. However, there is a possibility of a second surge, although it may be lower than the initial peak. So far, this flu season has been relatively typical, with an estimated 22 million illnesses, 250,000 hospitalizations, and 15,000 deaths from flu since October.
The CDC has also reported 74 flu-related deaths in children. COVID-19 cases have also peaked around the same time as the flu, but hospitalizations due to COVID-19 have not reached the same levels as the last three winters. COVID-19 is currently causing more hospitalizations than the flu, according to CDC data.
Dr. David Weber, an infectious diseases expert at the University of North Carolina, confirmed these national trends, stating that COVID-19, flu, and the respiratory virus RSV have affected the hospital. While the situation is not as severe as previous winters, the hospital had to declare a capacity emergency and temporarily utilize additional beds.
Currently, there are around 35 patients with these viruses, primarily COVID-19, occupying beds at the hospital. Dr. Weber described this year as relatively typical, although the inclusion of COVID-19 has made things busier than before the pandemic.
According to Alicia Budd from the CDC, while the country as a whole has reached its peak, there are still a few regions that haven’t yet peaked.In the Midwest, flu-like illnesses are on the rise, with 23 states reporting high levels, compared to 18 the previous week.
Typically, flu season peaks between December and February, and this season’s peak occurred in late December. However, there is a possibility of a second surge, although it may be lower than the initial peak. So far, this flu season has been relatively typical, with an estimated 22 million illnesses, 250,000 hospitalizations, and 15,000 deaths from flu since October.
The CDC has also reported 74 flu-related deaths in children. COVID-19 cases have also peaked around the same time as the flu, but hospitalizations due to COVID-19 have not reached the same levels as the last three winters. COVID-19 is currently causing more hospitalizations than the flu, according to CDC data.
Dr. David Weber, an infectious diseases expert at the University of North Carolina, confirmed these national trends, stating that COVID-19, flu, and the respiratory virus RSV have affected the hospital. While the situation is not as severe as previous winters, the hospital had to declare a capacity emergency and temporarily utilize additional beds.
Currently, there are around 35 patients with these viruses, primarily COVID-19, occupying beds at the hospital. Dr. Weber described this year as relatively typical, although the inclusion of COVID-19 has made things busier than before the pandemic.
