US Sees Surge in Flu Cases as Season Shows No Signs of Letting Up
The flu season in the US is showing no signs of slowing down, with cases climbing significantly in December and marking the most severe season since 2018. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 3,100 people have died from the virus so far this year, with over 7.5 million reported cases and 81,000 hospitalizations by mid-December.
The spike in cases comes after a highly severe season that included 279 influenza-associated pediatric deaths, making it the highest number reported to the CDC during a seasonal influenza epidemic. Experts warn that the situation could be worse, citing the fact that more people may need medical care than hospitals can provide.
The emergence of a new variant, subclade K, has added to the concerns, with flu season starting earlier than usual in Europe in December. The CDC reported "high or very high influenza activity" in several regions, including 32 states where flu illnesses are on the rise.
Despite this, health experts continue to emphasize the importance of getting vaccinated against the flu. Epidemiologist Jennifer Nuzzo advises that people who have not yet received a flu vaccine should do so, particularly young kids and older adults. However, she also warns that there may be concerns about the effectiveness of the new round of vaccine shots against the latest variant.
The CDC's campaign to encourage people to get vaccinated has been scaled back under the leadership of Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr, leaving many experts worried that fewer people will opt for vaccination. Nuzzo believes this could lead to a worse season due to the potential for more widespread transmission and increased hospital demand.
Meanwhile, some US residents may be concerned about how much protection the new vaccines offer against the latest variant, with Nuzzo cautioning that while it may not provide full protection, it is likely still to offer some benefits. Experts also recommend that people can pick up at-home flu tests from pharmacies, which can help diagnose and treat early stages of infection.
The flu season in the US is showing no signs of slowing down, with cases climbing significantly in December and marking the most severe season since 2018. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 3,100 people have died from the virus so far this year, with over 7.5 million reported cases and 81,000 hospitalizations by mid-December.
The spike in cases comes after a highly severe season that included 279 influenza-associated pediatric deaths, making it the highest number reported to the CDC during a seasonal influenza epidemic. Experts warn that the situation could be worse, citing the fact that more people may need medical care than hospitals can provide.
The emergence of a new variant, subclade K, has added to the concerns, with flu season starting earlier than usual in Europe in December. The CDC reported "high or very high influenza activity" in several regions, including 32 states where flu illnesses are on the rise.
Despite this, health experts continue to emphasize the importance of getting vaccinated against the flu. Epidemiologist Jennifer Nuzzo advises that people who have not yet received a flu vaccine should do so, particularly young kids and older adults. However, she also warns that there may be concerns about the effectiveness of the new round of vaccine shots against the latest variant.
The CDC's campaign to encourage people to get vaccinated has been scaled back under the leadership of Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr, leaving many experts worried that fewer people will opt for vaccination. Nuzzo believes this could lead to a worse season due to the potential for more widespread transmission and increased hospital demand.
Meanwhile, some US residents may be concerned about how much protection the new vaccines offer against the latest variant, with Nuzzo cautioning that while it may not provide full protection, it is likely still to offer some benefits. Experts also recommend that people can pick up at-home flu tests from pharmacies, which can help diagnose and treat early stages of infection.
I'm so worried about the flu season in the US right now! It's like a never-ending nightmare 
! The fact that over 7.5 million people got infected already this year is crazy 
, and those hospitalizations are on the rise too 
. I feel for all the families who have lost loved ones to this virus 
.
, but the CDC's campaign has been scaled back? That's really concerning 
. I'm not saying we should blame Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr or anything 
, but it does sound like a lot of people might not get their flu shots 
. We need to stay vigilant and take care of ourselves! 
#FluSeason #StayHealthy #VaccinateYourself
... I guess some people are more resilient than others 
. and what's up with this new variant K? is it like the COVID thing where we just make up a new name for everything 
? anyway, let's all just try to stay healthy and hope for the best 
.
CDC says its gonna be a rough one, esp with this new subclade k variant that just started popping up 
. I know some ppl might be all "meh" about gettin' vaccinated but trust me, epidemiologist jennifer nuzzo says its super imp (especially 4 young kids & old folks). BUT idk if ppl will even bother now cuz of the vaccine rollout 
. can we pls just get thru this flu season already? 
... i'm low-key worried that some ppl won't get vaccinated cuz of the new variant and now our hospitals are gonna be flooded 
. We need to make sure we get vaccinated ASAP! And what's up with the CDC scaling back their campaign? 
It's not like they're gonna spread awareness, right? 
Anyway, if you haven't gotten your flu shot yet, PLEASE do it! 
.
Is nobody taking responsibility for how this is all happening? 
The fact that more people need medical care than hospitals can handle just makes my heart go out to them. We need some real solutions here, not just hand-wringing over a few extra cases of the flu. And what's with the CDC's vaccine campaign being scaled back? 
especially with the new variant subclade K, it's getting me so anxious 
what if the vaccine doesn't work at all?!?! 
at least they're trying to get ppl to take home tests tho 
.
. What does that say about our priorities? Do we really want to send a message that getting vaccinated isn't as important as other issues? And now, with this new variant, some people are worried that the vaccine won't be effective 
.
. It's not just about public health; it's about individual responsibility and taking care of our most vulnerable populations 
. So, let's get on board and make a change 
. and whats up with the new variant K tho? some people are worried it'll reduce the vaccine's effectiveness 
.
. And honestly, can't we just get some peace and quiet for one season without all these new flu strains popping up? 
.
. Silver linings, right? 
.
! The numbers are just crazy - 7.5 million cases? That's like, more than half of all US citizens getting sick at some point this year 
.
!
. anywayz, seems like us needs 2 be extra cautious this yr. my mum always says "flu is like the worst" 
. 7.5 million cases already? That's crazy 
. We need to protect ourselves & our loved ones 
. The fact that the flu season is starting earlier than usual in Europe is just more proof that we're living in a never-ending cycle of illness and death 
...