A sharp rise in flu cases is unfolding across the United States, with health officials warning that activity is accelerating earlier than usual and is expected to continue climbing in the weeks ahead.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, influenza activity is now classified as “high” or “very high” in more than half of U.S. states. As of data collected through Dec. 20, federal estimates show at least 7.5 million illnesses, about 81,000 hospitalizations, and roughly 3,100 deaths linked to the flu this season. -- 📺 Watch NTD News 24/7 on cable, broadcast, and streaming: https://www.ntd.com/watch
Flu cases are on the rise nationwide in
addition to millions of these cases. The
CDC estimates there have been 81,000
hospitalizations and 3,100 deaths.
Here's more on that.
>> What we're seeing right now is a very
rapid escalation in cases.
>> Health experts sounding the alarm as flu
activity increases sharply across the
US. Most states are seeing high or very
high activity and those levels are
rising nationwide. The CDC estimates
there have been at least 7.5 million
illnesses from flu this season based on
data through December 20th.
>> We're seeing also a major increase in
hospitalizations, emergency room
department visits, uh, and even death.
>> So, why are flu cases surging? There's
also the type of flu we're seeing this
season.
>> Flu is always made up of several
different subtypes of viruses. We have
one this year that's a bit unusual. It's
called H3N2. It is associated with just
more severe illness. and we're seeing a
lot more people get infected.
>> Also, genetic testing indicates a new
flu variant called subclaid K appears to
be behind the vast majority of cases in
the US.
>> It's a different subclade or kind of a
different strain.
>> This new variant wasn't included in this
year's flu shots. It was identified
after scientists chose the strains to
include.
