Summary
The flu is spreading quickly across the United States, with many states seeing a rise in cases. The CDC reports that this flu season has resulted in millions of illnesses, thousands of hospitalizations, and several deaths. Experts recommend that Americans get vaccinated to reduce the risk of severe illness.
Key Facts
- The flu virus is rising in the U.S., with a 25.6% increase in positive lab tests in the past week.
- Visits to healthcare providers for respiratory illnesses are up by 6%.
- At least 7.5 million flu cases, 81,000 hospitalizations, and 3,100 deaths have been reported this season.
- Colorado, Louisiana, South Carolina, New York, and New Jersey have “very high” influenza levels.
- Five flu-related pediatric deaths were reported last week, making a total of eight this season.
- The H3N2 flu strain is more intense, leading to higher levels of hospitalization.
- Intense symptoms include high fever, body aches, fatigue, and severe cough.
- Health experts advise vaccination and stress that it's not too late to get the flu shot.
