"The number of influenza cases in the United States is higher this year than last year, sparking concern that this flu season may be worse than usual due to lower rates of vaccination against the virus. Seventeen jurisdictions across the U.S. report "high" or "very high" levels of influenza. The situation is hitting some areas harder than others, with areas in Georgia and Kansas seeing so many cases of childhood influenza that some schools have had to close."
"Due to the holiday break, a federal report on flu counts in the country was not published last week. The most recent report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), published on December 19, shows that there have been 4.6 million cases of influenza counted this season thus far, with 49,000 hospitalizations and 1,900 deaths - including two infant deaths counted in the last report alone."
Influenza cases, hospitalizations, and deaths in the United States are higher than at the same point last season. Seventeen jurisdictions report high or very high influenza activity, and some areas in Georgia and Kansas have closed schools due to pediatric outbreaks. The CDC reported 4.6 million cases, 49,000 hospitalizations, and 1,900 deaths so far this season, compared with 1.9 million cases, 23,000 hospitalizations, and 970 deaths at the same point last year. Thirteen million fewer vaccine doses have been administered this year, and vaccination is still recommended because the season’s peak and risk persist into February and spring.
Read at Truthout
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