All articles tagged with #flu season
A Snohomish County school-age teen died after contracting influenza, marking the state’s first pediatric flu death this season, with health officials reporting rising flu activity across western Washington and urging vaccination and preventive measures.
The U.S. is in a record-breaking flu season, with the CDC reporting about 19 million illnesses and thousands of deaths from a new subclade K. Personal stories show people coping by resting for days, using meal delivery services and streaming to pass the time, and relying on vaccines and antivirals like Tamiflu and Xofluza. The season appears to be easing from its winter peak, but the impact has been widespread across ages and professions.
Lawrence’s wastewater tests show high levels of six viruses—COVID-19, influenza A and B, RSV, human metapneumovirus, and norovirus—over the past three weeks, signaling community circulation during peak flu season; wastewater data reflects viral spread rather than exact case counts, with an earlier influenza B peak and a rising COVID Stratus/XFG variant (82.5% of positives, up 25%), and Salina reporting medium concentrations for these illnesses as well; health officials urge vaccination, masking at some clinics, and staying home when sick to curb spread.
The current flu season is unusually harsh with high illness and hospitalization numbers and low vaccination rates, but researchers are pursuing a set of universal flu vaccine approaches (targeting the HA stem, mosaic nanoparticle displays, and neuraminidase/T-cell–based strategies) plus longer-lasting preventives. If these efforts succeed and are paired with faster vaccine updates, the world could see dramatically reduced infections and severe illnesses in future winters, though funding and public acceptance remain challenges.
The United States is in the midst of a severe flu season with widespread activity across more than half the states, millions of cases so far, rising hospitalizations and some deaths. Experts warn cases may climb further before peaking, likely in February, and emphasize vaccination plus standard precautions to reduce illness and severe outcomes.
A 4-year-old girl from Ogden, Utah, Elora 'Ellie' Rudd, died from complications related to influenza, including pneumonia and sepsis, after her condition worsened despite hospital care. Her death highlights the severity of the current flu season, which has caused significant illness and fatalities nationwide, especially among children.
Oregon is experiencing a milder flu season compared to last year despite a nationwide surge caused by a new influenza A strain, with hospitalizations and infections remaining relatively low and officials urging residents to get vaccinated and take precautions.
U.S. flu infections are surging this season, surpassing last winter's severity, driven by a new H3N2 strain not covered by current vaccines, with health officials warning of a peak ahead and recent policy changes reducing vaccine recommendations for children, raising concerns about public health data and disease control efforts.
UNC Health hospitals in the Triangle area are implementing temporary visitor restrictions starting January 5 due to the rise in flu and respiratory illnesses, including bans on visitors under 11 and those with symptoms, as part of efforts to curb the spread during peak cold weather months.
Colorado is experiencing a severe flu season with rising hospitalizations, especially among children, partly due to a less effective vaccine match and a new aggressive strain. Despite some underreporting, data shows a significant increase in flu activity, and the flu currently poses a greater risk than COVID, emphasizing the importance of vaccination and preventive measures.
Amid an early and severe flu season in the US, at-home flu tests are widely available at pharmacies and online, costing around $20-$30, and can provide results within 15-20 minutes. While highly specific, these rapid tests have a sensitivity of 50-70%, meaning false negatives are possible, especially later in the season. Experts recommend testing early and consulting healthcare providers if symptoms are severe or high-risk, with vaccination still advised to reduce severe illness.
This flu season is worsening with a new 'super' variant linked to increased cases, especially during holiday gatherings, with symptoms coming on faster and more intensely; vaccination and early testing are recommended to reduce severe illness.
Prisma Health in South Carolina has temporarily restricted visitors under 15 years old in its hospitals due to increased flu activity and measles concerns, aiming to protect patients and staff during the peak flu season, with exceptions for urgent circumstances.
The New York Department of Health reports a record 71,123 flu cases in a single week ending December 20, marking the highest since tracking began in 2004, with cases increasing by 38% from the previous week, and experts warn the situation may worsen as flu season peaks in January.
Flu cases are rising nationwide and in Texas, doubling in recent weeks, with experts warning it could worsen after the holidays. The CDC reports about 15% of lab tests are positive, and nearly 20% in Texas. Symptoms can appear quickly, and it's advised to get vaccinated early, as it's too late for the shot if exposed recently. Those infected should rest, stay home, and consider antiviral medication to reduce recovery time. Flu season is expected to continue until March.