Influenza virus finally makes a comeback authentic. Flu season activity is high across the United States, And experts expect a lot More cases and hospitalizations occur in the coming weeks. One bright spot is that this year’s vaccine appears to be tailored to the current situation. circulating influenza strainsand therefore should provide valuable protection against viral infections.
On Monday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention release Its Latest Weekly Survey Results A routine influenza surveillance program that tracks both influenza-related hospitalizations and influenza-like illness outpatients.
Based on this data, influenza activity is high to very high in 35 states and territories. Eastern and Southern regions of the country. The cumulative hospitalization rate at this time of the year (week 46) is also the highest since 2010.2011 flu seasonOverall, the CDC estimates that there have been at least 6.2 million illnesses, 53,000 hospitalizations and 2,900 deaths from influenza since October, including 12 confirmed childhood deaths. And the number of these cases will only continue to rise as much of the vacation time remains.
“We’re likely to see an increase in the coming weeks,” said Lynnette Brammer, an epidemiologist and leader of the CDC’s influenza surveillance team. Told NBC News.
The flu has become much less common since the arrival of covid-19 in late 2019. The winter of 2020-2021 was essentially flu-free, but last winter’s the season is strange nevertheless much calmer more than usual. There are likely several reasons why the supposed “twindemic” featuring influenza and covid-19 never materialized. Speculation In general, respiratory viruses tend to cluster together.But the big factor behind Its disappearance is believed to be a physical distancing precaution implemented or voluntarily taken by many to limit the spread of the coronavirus. These precautions have weakened significantly, resulting in recurrent infections in many cultivars.
For example, the United States has a more serious and early case.than-This year is the usual peak for infections with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). RSV usually causes mild colds in most people, can be life-threatening in young people children and the elderly.As a result of the surge, many children’s hospitals report RSV-related hospitalizations at levels much higher than those seen during the normal RSV season. There is also speculation that the infection is caused by covid-19 has weakened children’s immune systems, making them more susceptible to severe RSV, but many experts say quarrel Declining herd immunity alone is enough to explain these surges.
Thankfully, cases of RSV are now deceleration in the United StatesAnd while many people are still sick and dying from covid-19, the threat of a massive surge comes this winter, as it has in the past. stay low for the time being.we may even get According to the CDC, this year’s vaccine has been relatively lucky with influenza, as it matches well with the majority of circulating influenza strains.
Of course, when it comes to respiratory illness, this winter just isn’t as bad as it’s been lately. Doesn’t mean you should ignore prudence prevention. Getting the latest covid-19 boosters and an annual flu shot will lower your risk of runny nose-related misery and serious complications this holiday season. And other measures like staying home when sick and wearing masks in high-risk situations can help limit the spread of flu, covid-19, RSV, and other germs.
