The influenza virus is leading the charge at exceptionally high levels throughout the West, across the Midwest, and deep into the Southeast, according to a study that was released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Monday. Winter viruses are becoming increasingly prevalent at this time.
Hospitalizations and deaths that are attributed to influenza are on the rise, and experts believe that there will be a great deal more in the future.
At the moment, flu A strains—particularly H3N2 and H1N1—are prevalent. The viruses that are circulating are affecting people of all ages, although hospitalization for the flu is most common among those 65 and older.
The peak season for seasonal flu usually occurs between December and February. A sore throat, cough, runny nose, headaches, body aches, and occasionally fever are common symptoms of infection. Flu symptoms are frequently compared to being struck by a truck.
It can take up to three months before the flu starts to slow down, according to Caitlin Rivers, an epidemiologist at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security and author of “Crisis Averted: The Hidden Science of Fighting Outbreaks.”
According to Budd and other infectious disease specialists, there is still time to get vaccinated against the flu because B strains may become more prevalent later in the season. Many people, particularly youngsters, are still eligible.
Just about 42 percent of children had received their flu shot this season as of December 28. Nearly 45 percent had received it at this time last year.
This season, the flu has claimed the lives of sixteen children. Although the CDC does not keep count of adult flu mortality, it believes that this season has seen at least 4,700 deaths and over 110,000 hospitalizations.
“If you haven’t gotten vaccinated yet, there’s still time,” Budd stated. “It would be worth it.”
At the moment, flu A strains—particularly H3N2 and H1N1—are prevalent. The viruses that are circulating are affecting people of all ages, although hospitalization for the flu is most common among those 65 and older.
The peak season for seasonal flu usually occurs between December and February. A sore throat, cough, runny nose, headaches, body aches, and occasionally fever are common symptoms of infection. Flu symptoms are frequently compared to being struck by a truck.
It can take up to three months before the flu starts to slow down, according to Caitlin Rivers, an epidemiologist at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security and author of “Crisis Averted: The Hidden Science of Fighting Outbreaks.”
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According to Budd and other infectious disease specialists, there is still time to get vaccinated against the flu because B strains may become more prevalent later in the season. Many people, particularly youngsters, are still eligible.
Just about 42 percent of children had received their flu shot this season as of December 28. Nearly 45 percent had received it at this time last year.
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This season, the flu has claimed the lives of sixteen children. Although the CDC does not keep count of adult flu mortality, it believes that this season has seen at least 4,700 deaths and over 110,000 hospitalizations.
