Flu Cases Start To Increase As Americans Get Ready For The Holidays

(VOR News) – In a report that was released on Friday, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) verified that the flu season is presently in full swing, with the number of cases of the virus increasing across the United States. This information was included in the study. The research was published in the United States of America.

Infectious diseases expert Dr. William Schaffner of Vanderbilt University has indicated that thirteen states, including Tennessee and Louisiana, have reported high or extremely high levels of illness that is similar to the flu.

The flu virus has hit Tennessee and Louisiana.

When compared to the amount that was reported the previous week, this statistic is more than twice as large as the one that came before it.

There has been a consistent increase in the number of flu-related visits to emergency rooms and lab test confirmations, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which has recorded consistently climbing numbers. The fact that this has occurred implies that the beginning of what might be a difficult winter for respiratory infections has arrived.

Immediately following that, Dr. Schaffner went on to make the following observation: “The flu has been on the rise, but it has reached an all-time high in the entire past week.” The virus has been increasing in prevalence.

During the same time period, Louisiana is witnessing a rise that is comparable to the one that occurred previously.

According to Dr. Catherine O’Neal of Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge, “just this week is really that turning point where people are out because of the flu,” she told AP News. We have a serious influenza outbreak going on right now. At the moment, our region is experiencing a serious influenza outbreak.

The phrases “I can’t come to work because of the flu” and “Where can I get a flu test?” are ones that parents are heard talking about their children. Examples of the kinds of things that parents say include the ones listed here.

This Season’s Low Flu Vaccination Rates Concern Doctors.

As of the seventh of December, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that just 41% of adults and children had been vaccinated against the influenza virus. This information was provided by the CDC. In addition, the percentage of youngsters who had received vaccinations had dropped from 44% the year before.

There is a significant disparity between the immunization rates for COVID and those for other viruses, with the former coming in at 21% for adults and the latter coming in at 11% for children who are infected with the bacteria.

Vaccination against influenza is something that medical professionals and other professionals working in the field of public health are actively urging to everyone, particularly in the days leading up to Christmas get-togethers.

The following is a statement that was made by Dr. Schaffner: “All of those gatherings that are so heartwarming and fun and joyful are also an opportunity for this virus to spread from person to person…” Because there is still time to get vaccinated, you should not think twice about getting vaccinated.

In spite of this, the Louisiana Department of Health issued a statement on Friday declaring that it was dropping its recommendation that individuals receive vaccines against the influenza virus and COVID-19. The statement claimed that the recommendation was being withdrawn. This recommendation was mentioned in the press release that was issued.

The most current position that the department has taken is that individuals should consult with their physicians in order to determine whether or not the shots are suitable for them. This was said in a letter that was written by an official.

SOUREC: USN