Health care professionals are concerned as the flu, often known as influenza, is spreading faster than it has in more than ten years across the United States.
William Schaffner, MD, a professor at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, told The Washington Post that the statistics are concerning. “The flu is not just early, but it also seems to be really bad. This is not merely an introduction to upcoming attractions. This movie has already begun to be seen. It is a scary movie, in my opinion.
The CDC has thus far identified 880,000 flu cases, 6,900 hospitalizations, and 360 flu-related fatalities this season. There has already been one kid flu-related fatality reported.
The CDC did not release any information regarding the child’s passing, however NBC affiliate station KVEO in Brownsville, Texas, recently reported that a 3-year-old girl had passed away after testing positive for the flu, according to NBC News.
According to CDC data, there were 199 paediatric flu-related deaths during the 2019-2020 flu season, one paediatric flu fatality was reported for the 2020-2021 flu season, and there were 43 paediatric flu deaths last year.
Nipunie Rajapakse, MD, a paediatric infectious diseases physician of the Mayo Clinic Children’s Center, said, “The optimum time to protect oneself against influenza is before we see it start circulating in significant volumes.” “Going to be immunised is a good idea right now. After receiving your vaccination, it takes your body’s immune system roughly two weeks to generate a strong antibody response. That time must also be taken into account.
According to the CDC, hospitalisation rates are highest among people aged 65 and older and children under the age of 4, who are currently seeing the most impact. 2,332 influenza patients have been admitted to hospitals nationwide over the previous week, up from 1,674 the week before.
The flu virus generates an inflammatory reaction that can linger up to six weeks after recovery, raising the risk of heart attacks and strokes, Schaffner told the Post. Middle-aged and older persons are most at risk of being badly harmed by the flu.
The increase in flu cases coincides with this winter’s projected spike in COVID-19 infections as well as an RSV outbreak that is already harmful for small infants.
The CDC’s Lynnette Brammer told NBC News, “We know the potential ramifications of the co-circulating viruses all at once.” We are treating it seriously.
