CNN
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Data released Friday by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed that seasonal flu activity remained high in the United States but continued to decline in most areas last week leading up to Christmas. This figure does not yet include data on post-holiday flu activity.
The CDC estimates that there have been at least 20 million illnesses, 210,000 hospitalizations and 13,000 flu deaths so far this season as of last week.
Of visits to health care providers last week, 6.1% were for respiratory conditions.
Cumulative hospitalization rates were more than four times higher than 10 years or more at this point in the season.
Influenza hospitalizations declined nationwide for the third consecutive week. Last week, he had nearly 19,000 hospitalized flu cases, and his more than 26,000 new hospitalizations the week after Thanksgiving was a season high.
Of the children, 14 deaths were reported last week, bringing the total to 61 so far this season.
“The annual flu vaccine is the best way to protect yourself from the flu. Vaccination helps prevent infection, and it can also prevent serious consequences for people who get the flu despite being vaccinated.
“CDC continues to recommend annual influenza vaccination for all people 6 months and older for as long as influenza activity continues.”
Respiratory virus activity remains “high” or “very high” in most states, and public health experts warn activity could rise again after New Year’s Eve.
Flu spikes after Thanksgiving, with more than a third of flu hospitalizations and deaths reported this season in the first full week of data after Thanksgiving, and cases spike about the same Did.
Flu, Covid-19 and RSV may not be the only things making people sick as health officials brace for a possible surge in respiratory viruses in the coming weeks, says the American Public Health Association. said Dr. George Benjamin, Executive Director of
“We’re focused on those three, but there are others, such as the common cold,” Benjamin told CNN earlier this week.
Overall, “we should expect more respiratory illnesses,” he said. “Of course, the best way to reduce risk is to fully vaccinate those who have it. It’s an infection.”
Benjamin added that washing your hands frequently, wearing a mask while traveling on vacation, and staying home when sick are also still important.