The season of American winter viruses is in force and, by a measure, is the most intense in 15 years.
An influenza activity indicator is the percentage of visits to the doctor’s office trained by pseudo-grippal symptoms. Last week, this number was clearly higher than the peak of all winter flu season Since 2009-2010, according to data published Friday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Of course, other viral infections can be confused with the flu. But COVID-19 seems to be down, according to hospital data and CDC modeling projections. The available data also suggests another respiratory disease, RSV, fades on a national scale.
The flu has forced schools to close in certain states. The Godley Independent School District, a system of 3,200 students near Fort Worth, Texas, closed last week for three days after 650 students and 60 employees left on Tuesday.
Jeff Meador, a district spokesperson, said the vast majority of diseases had been seized, as well as streptococcal angina. He called it the worst flu season he remembered.
So far this season, estimates the CDC, there have been at least 24 million influenza diseases, 310,000 hospitalizations and 13,000 deaths – including at least 57 children. Traditionally, the flu season culminates around February.
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Overall, 43 states reported a high or very high flu activity last week. The flu was the most intense in the southern, southwest and west states.
In Rochester, New York, the flu season was intense but not necessarily worse than at the top of other years, said Dr. Elizabeth Murray, a pediatric emergency doctor at the University of Rochester Medical Center.
She said there was a lot of flu, but there are also a lot of RSV and a surprising number of babies with Covid-19.
“All respiratory diseases are there, with revenge,” added Murray.
The CDC refused to let a journalist from Associated Press speak to an expert in the influenza of recent trends agency. The Trump administration ordered a temporary “break” on health agencies communications and continued to refuse interview requests that have been systematically granted in the past.
American health officials recommend every 6 months and more to obtain annual vaccination on the flu.
About 44% of adults got influenza photos this winter, like last winter. But children’s coverage is down, to around 45% this winter. It is generally around 50%, according to CDC data.
About 23% of American adults were up to date in their COVVI-19 vaccinations at the end of January, against around 20% at the same time of the previous year. COVVI-19 vaccination rates for children were about the same, at around 12%.
The government has not yet pointed out its estimates on the functioning of this season’s flu vaccine.
The results of patient tests indicate that two seasonal flu stumps that cause most diseases – a type A H1N1 and an H3N2 type A. Health officials look closely at a third strain – a bird flu known under the H5N1 name type A – which has a bad words
To avoid seasonal viruses, doctors say you should avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth because germs can spread this way. You should also wash your hands with soap and water, clean the frequently affected surfaces and avoid close contact with sick people.
& Copy 2025 the Canadian press