LOS ANGELES, Dec 6 (NNN-XINHUA) – The U.S. is experiencing surge in respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19, flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), worsening strain on hospitals.
Seasonal influenza activity is high, and continues to increase across the country, according to the U.S. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
A total of 47 U.S. jurisdictions experienced “high” or “very high” flu activity in the week ending Nov 26, up from 36 jurisdictions a week before, CDC data showed. About 20,000 hospitalisations from flu were reported across the country in the week.
There have been at least 8.7 million illnesses, 78,000 hospitalisations, and 4,500 deaths from flu, so far this season, according to the CDC.
Among them, a total of 14 pediatric flu deaths were reported.
CDC data showed the percentage of outpatient visits for respiratory illness this season, has significantly outpaced that of any other season since at least 2017-2018.
Health officials warned that, the United States should expect a worse than normal flu season, as this winter will be the first in which many resume normal activities.
They urged everyone ages six months and older, to get flu vaccine to protect against the flu.
“Vaccination helps prevent infection and can also prevent serious outcome in people who get vaccinated but still get sick with flu,” said the CDC.
Health experts warned of a “tripledemic” facing the country, as COVID-19 lingers, and influenza and RSV cases surge.
The daily average of COVID-19 hospitalisations rose again in the United States, amid winter surge, according to the latest CDC data.– NNN-XINHUA
