(USA, 14th) The current influenza season in the United States has just begun, and there have already been approximately 2.9 million flu cases, including about 30,000 hospitalizations and around 1,200 deaths.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that the H3N2 subtype of influenza A virus is the dominant strain circulating this flu season. Influenza activity continues to rise across most regions of the country.
According to the CDC’s latest estimates, in the week ending December 6, U.S. public health laboratories reported a total of 547 influenza virus samples—525 of them were influenza A and 22 were influenza B. During the same week, the United States reported its first pediatric death related to influenza this flu season.
The CDC stated that more than 127 million doses of flu vaccine have been distributed so far for this flu season and recommends that everyone aged six months and older receive a flu vaccine each year to lower the risk of infection and severe illness.
The CDC stated that more than 127 million doses of flu vaccine have been distributed so far for this flu season and recommends that everyone aged six months and older receive a flu vaccine each year to lower the risk of infection and severe illness.
The U.S. flu season typically occurs in autumn and winter, with the peak between December and February each year. The CDC explains that getting a flu vaccine every year not only helps prevent flu infection but also lowers the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death, and reduces community transmission.
Meanwhile, the United Kingdom is facing an unprecedented wave of "super flu" outbreaks.
The UK National Health Service (NHS) released data on Thursday (December 11) showing that flu cases have reached a record high for this time of year, with an average of 2,660 patients hospitalized daily last week—a 55% surge in just one week.
Meanwhile, the United Kingdom is facing an unprecedented wave of "super flu" outbreaks.
The UK National Health Service (NHS) released data on Thursday (December 11) showing that flu cases have reached a record high for this time of year, with an average of 2,660 patients hospitalized daily last week—a 55% surge in just one week.
UK Health Secretary Mr. Streeting told The Times that case numbers could double again before reaching their peak. He described the current situation in hospitals as “completely unacceptable.”