News @lemmy.world MicroWave @lemmy.world 8mo ago

The flu is soaring in 7 U.S. states and rising in others, health officials say

www.pbs.org The flu is soaring in 7 U.S. states and rising in others, health officials say

U.S. health officials say at least seven states are seeing high levels of the flu and that cases are rising in other parts of the country.

The U.S. flu season is underway, with at least seven states reporting high levels of illnesses and cases rising in other parts of the country, health officials say.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention posted new flu data on Friday, showing very high activity last week in Louisiana, and high activity in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, New Mexico and South Carolina. It was also high in the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, the U.S. territory where health officials declared an influenza epidemic earlier this month.

“We’re off to the races,” said Dr. William Schaffner, a Vanderbilt University infectious diseases expert

Traditionally, the winter flu season ramps up in December or January. But it took off in October last year, and is making a November entrance this year.

18 comments

Glad I got my flu shot…
- How effective is it this year, anyone know? I got mine and the new COVID shot around the same time early October
  
  Depends on the strain. But on average it’s about 50% this year it seems. Lowering my odds of losing a week by 50% seems worthwhile for me though. I hate being sick. And I hate getting behind.
This is why I still mask and social distance.

That, and covid is still the number 1 killer of youth under the age of 18.
Is this news when it's flu season and normal?
- Traditionally, the winter flu season ramps up in December or January. But it took off in October last year, and is making a November entrance this year.
  
  It's not normal.
  
  Not much is "normal" anymore. Early/more vicious/more often is the new normal in just about everything.
- It's a good reminder to get your shot at least. Flu is no joke and kills usually about 30 thousand to 50 thousand people a year in the US.
  
  Also a new vaccine this year not a lot of people know about is available for respiratory syncitial virus (RSV) which any parent can tell you is a nightmare for young children. Also deadly to older adults. Information on who should get that vaccine Here . Basically pregnant individuals, young children and infants, and adults over 60.
  
  I used to be pretty blasé about the flu shot. I was always thinking that I was young and that the shots should go to the elderly and vulnerable. Didn't realize I was a vector of passing it on.
  
  COVID changed me quite a bit. Got my doses as soon as I could. I mask up crowds too. Not sure it matters but I don't think it hurts much either.
Biodiversity? Nah I have everything in bluechips cuz smart. /s
Well, this is perfect timing for my hangover on Monday!

18 comments