By Amber Roman
Nov 21, 2023, 2:46 PM EST
Health officials report that flu cases are increasing in seven U.S. states, with numbers rising in other regions. Historically, flu season ramps up in December or January, but once again, it’s taking off much earlier.
Activity is increasing rapidly in the southeast, south-central and southwest regions of the country. As for the seven states that currently report high or very high levels, they are Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico and South Carolina.
Additionally, elevated levels were observed in the District of Columbia and in the territory that recently declared a flu epidemic: Puerto Rico.
As for Michigan, the CDC map shows minimal levels of flu activity in that state. And if we look at the latest report from the “Michigan Disease Surveillance System,” it shows a gradual increase in influenza cases. But with Thanksgiving just days away, we’re expected to soon see a larger increase in numbers as family and friends travel and gather to enjoy the traditional turkey meal.
The flu in circulation is H1N1
The dominant flu virus this year is influenza type A, specifically H1N1, although there is also some influenza B in circulation. The good news is that influenza type A is generally milder in our elderly population, who are generally the most affected by the flu.
However, the CDC estimates that this season there have already been about 780,000 flu cases, more than 8,000 hospitalizations and 490 flu-related deaths, including one child.
It is important to remember that there are other strains that can seriously affect people of any age. That’s why it’s recommended that everyone over six months old get a flu vaccine, as the CDC recommends. Currently, only about 35% of adults and 33% of children in the US have received the flu vaccine.
As for how effective the flu vaccine will be, we can’t say for sure, but it is well suited to the strains currently circulating and should therefore be effective in preventing infection or at least serious illness.
And with the upcoming holiday season quickly approaching, it’s best to get your flu shot early, as the virus likes to spread during this time of year.
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