Home / Health / US Flu Cases Surge: Hospitals Overwhelmed
US Flu Cases Surge: Hospitals Overwhelmed
6 Jan
Summary
- Outpatient visits for flu symptoms highest in nearly 30 years.
- Over 11 million illnesses and 120,000 hospitalizations this season.
- 45 states report high to very high levels of flu activity.
The nation is grappling with an intense flu season, marked by the highest number of outpatient visits for flu-like symptoms in nearly three decades. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that over 11 million people have fallen ill, with approximately 120,000 requiring hospitalization. Doctors are observing a significant surge in patients presenting with fevers, fatigue, and body aches.
Current data indicates that 45 states are experiencing high to very high levels of flu activity, a concerning trend that began earlier than in previous years. Medical professionals note an increase in hospital admissions, with some patients requiring supplemental oxygen due to severe respiratory distress. This surge began before the full effects of recent holiday travel and gatherings could be assessed.
In a significant policy shift, the Department of Health and Human Services has removed the flu vaccine from the official childhood vaccination schedule, a decision met with criticism amidst the current severe flu season. Experts express concern over this move, especially following a past flu season that saw the highest number of pediatric deaths since tracking began.
