Flu cases are rising across the US

Editor’s Note

Seasonal flu cases are spiking across the country, according to data published December 15 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  

Although the surge is nationwide, activity is highest in the southeast, south-central, and west coast regions. As a result, weekly flu hospital admissions are on the rise, with 7,000 more patients admitted to hospitals for the flu as of the week ending December 9. During that same week, 4.4% of visits to outpatient healthcare providers were due to respiratory illness.

Overall, CDC estimates reveal at least 3.7 million illnesses, 38,000 hospitalizations, and 2,300 deaths due to the flu so far this season. The federal agency recommends that all people 6 months and older get an annual flu vaccine, and for those who contract the virus to take prescription flu antiviral drugs as early as possible—especially for high-risk patients.