The agency told doctors that they were worried that the flu, COVID-19, and RSV could put more stress on the healthcare system in the next few weeks.
CDC Raises Urgent Alert for Low Vaccination Coverage for COVID-19 (Photo: Google)
CDC Warns of Elevated Seasonal Flu Activity and Urges Vaccination
The CDC reports “elevated” seasonal flu activity in the U.S., citing poor vaccination rates amid COVID-19 and RSV. Poor vaccine coverage and growing respiratory infections, including influenza, SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19), and RSV, might worsen illnesses and strain healthcare capacity in the coming weeks, the organization says.
The CDC predicts 3.7 million flu cases, 38,000 hospitalizations, and 2,300 deaths this season. Clinical lab testing for influenza rose to 10% from 7% last week. 17 South and West states report “high” or worse influenza-like disease activity, with five reporting “very high” activity. Eight states, including Nevada and Virginia, went from “moderate” to “high” ILI activity, while New Hampshire, Kansas, Nebraska, and Idaho went from “minimal” to “low.” ILI accounted for 4.4% of outpatient visits in the week ending Dec. 9, above the national baseline of 2.9%.
The CDC reported 7,000 influenza hospitalizations and increased COVID-19 and RSV hospitalizations.
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CDC Urges Monitoring Amid Data Discrepancies, Stresses Vaccination for Flu and COVID-19
Due to data reporting and population representation discrepancies, the CDC recommends monitoring and changes. Concerns include low immunization rates and an increase in childhood multisystem inflammatory syndrome (MIS-C). Healthcare professionals should prescribe influenza and COVID-19 antivirals to reduce hospitalization and mortality from respiratory infections, according to the CDC.
Two pediatric flu-related fatalities were recorded in the week ending Dec. 9, increasing the season total to 14, according to preliminary data from the Influenza Hospitalization Surveillance Network. The CDC advises flu shots for everyone and helps find clinics.
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