Flu Season Escalating in These States: While the spread of COVID-19 is on the decline, the flu season is just gearing up. Latest data released Friday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reveal an increase in influenza activity in several U.S. states.
In the past week, six “jurisdictions” (states or territories) witnessed moderate or high flu activity, a jump from just two jurisdictions the week before.
The situation is most severe in Alaska, with high flu activity. In Florida, Hawaii, New Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Washington, D.C., flu activity is moderate, according to the CDC.
COVID-19 treatments entering the market with a substantial price tag.
While the majority of states report “low” or “minimal” flu activity, experts predict things will worsen before getting better. The timing of flu season varies each year, but it typically starts to escalate in October, with the peak often reached in February.
Flu levels are still considered low in Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Louisiana, Wyoming, and South Carolina. However, all these states witnessed an uptick in reported flu symptoms last week.
It’s crucial to note that the CDC map doesn’t capture all flu activity in a given community. The data is based on people reporting to healthcare facilities with flu symptomsfever, cough, or sore throat. It doesn’t rely on lab-confirmed influenza cases.
ALSO READ: Alabama Faces Looming Nurse Shortage: Board Takes Action
This means it might include cases turning out to be other respiratory illnesses, while also potentially missing cases where people stay home and combat the sickness independently.
CDC experts anticipate this year’s respiratory virus season will resemble last year’s. They expect the flu season, in particular, to fall within the “typical range of severity.” However, even in typical seasons, the number of illnesses, hospitalizations, and deaths can vary widely, according to the 2023-24 forecast.
Flu shots are already available in pharmacies and doctor’s offices, and they can be received simultaneously with a COVID-19 booster.
Our Reader’s Queries
What states have the highest flu rates?
Arizona, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Maine, Michigan, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Utah, Washington, and Wisconsin are experiencing high levels of flu activity.
What are the flu symptoms for 2023?
Symptoms of the flu include a fever of 100.4 F or higher, achy muscles in the back, arms, and legs, chills and sweats, a headache, cough, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, and fatigue with weakness.
What month is flu highest?
In the US, flu season typically happens during fall and winter. Although flu viruses are around all year, the most cases usually happen between December and February. The effects of flu on people’s health, like infections, hospitalizations, and deaths, can differ from one season to the next.
What are the symptoms of the new flu outbreak?
Typical signs of the flu may involve a fever, though not consistently, along with a headache, sore muscles, and alternating between feeling cold and sweating.