Flu cases in the United States are on the rise, particularly among young individuals aged five to 24. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Health Alert Network advisory urging healthcare professionals to recommend and provide the seasonal influenza vaccine to everyone aged six months and older.
Although the overall flu transmission rate remains low, the CDC has reported an increase in positive flu tests, notably in the wake of last season’s minimal flu activity due to pandemic restrictions. As of November 20, there were 415 confirmed flu cases, with the majority attributed to the influenza A(H3N2) strain, which poses a greater risk because of its ability to evolve and evade immunity.
Despite a nationwide positivity rate of just 1 percent, the CDC highlights growing concerns among healthcare providers, particularly in light of rising COVID-19 cases in various regions. Health officials have noted influenza outbreaks at colleges, including a significant outbreak at the University of Michigan, which reported over 520 cases. The CDC emphasizes that nearly 90 percent of current flu cases involve children and young adults.
The agency reminds everyone that the flu can lead to severe health issues, as evidenced by the estimated 80,000 flu-related deaths during the 2017-2018 season. This year’s flu vaccine protects against four strains: A(H1N1)pdm09, A(H3N2), B/Victoria lineage, and B/Yamagata lineage viruses. Vaccination is crucial for reducing hospitalizations and deaths associated with circulating influenza viruses.
The CDC also notes a decrease in vaccination rates compared to the previous year, underscoring the need for people to get vaccinated as soon as possible. Importantly, individuals can receive both the COVID vaccine and flu vaccine concurrently.
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Summary:
The CDC has issued a warning about increasing flu cases among young people, urging vaccination for all eligible individuals. With influenza A(H3N2) on the rise and outbreaks reported at colleges, public health officials stress the importance of flu vaccination to mitigate potential health risks.