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2022-2023 U.S. flu season: preliminary in-season burden estimates
- CDC has estimated the burden of flu since 2010 using a mathematical model based on data collected thru the Influenza Hospitalization Surveillance Network (FluSurv-NET), covering approximately 9% of the U.S. population.
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CDC Reports Early increases in Seasonal flu Activity
- CDC’s first full FluView report of the 2022-2023 flu season shows that while flu activity is relatively low there are early increases happening in most of the country, particularly in the southeast and south-central parts of the United States.
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2021-2022 Season
- Flu activity during the 2021-2022 season remained elevated much later into the spring than any previous flu season with a second national peak in April. During the 2021-2022 season, flu claimed the lives of approximately 5,000 people.
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New York City Flu data
- New York City reported more than 51,000 positive flu tests during the week ending Jan. 25, a 6 percent increase from the previous week. About 3,000 people were hospitalized with the flu that same week, an 11 percent rise compared with the week before.
States Reporting Increases
- the states include Massachusetts,Michigan,Nebraska,new Hampshire,New Jersey,New Mexico,Ohio,South Carolina,Tennessee,and Texas.
Expert Opinion on Increase
- Inessa Gendlina, a hospital epidemiologist at Montefiore Medical Centre in New York, attributed the increase to fewer people wearing masks, a less effective influenza vaccine this year, and fewer mitigation strategies such as people social distancing and staying home when a person is sick.
Flu Season Impacting Schools Nationwide
The flu season this year has been particularly challenging, with schools across the country bearing the brunt of the outbreak. school closures have become common as illness spreads rapidly among students and staff.
School Closures Due to Illness
On Friday, St. Peter Catholic School in Canton, Ohio, announced it would be closed “due to an excessive number of staff and student illnesses.” Initially,the school planned to reopen on Monday,but it remained closed due to the persistent prevalence of illness among it’s staff.
Health Experts Weigh in
The rise in flu cases has sparked concern among the public.However, health experts assure that the current trend is in line with a typical flu season. “We’re hoping that it’s going to start turning around, probably in the next week or two, but it’s definitely challenging to be able to predict now,” said Dr. Gendlina. “Flu seasons are like snowflakes. No flu seasons are exactly the same.”
Vaccination Rates and Recommendations
About 45 percent of adults received a flu shot this season, a figure similar to the same period last year. Dr. Gendlina encouraged those who have not yet received their flu vaccine to do so. “It’s definitely not too late and it’s definitely time if somebody hasn’t gotten their flu vaccine yet. Today is the day,” she emphasized.
The Impact on Education
Temporary school closures due to flu outbreaks can disrupt the educational process, causing inconvenience for both students and parents. Schools often rely on remote learning to mitigate the impact, but the effectiveness varies.
Summary of Key Points
| Aspect | Details |
|—————————–|————————————————————————-|
| School Closures | Due to high staff and student illnesses |
| expert Opinion | Current flu trend aligns with typical seasons |
| Vaccination Rates | 45 percent of adults vaccinated, similar to last year |
| Expert advice | Get vaccinated if not already done |
| Impact on education | Disruptions and reliance on remote learning |
Conclusion
While the flu season poses challenges, health experts and educators are working together to manage the impact. Vaccination remains the best defense against the flu, and timely action can help mitigate the spread. Stay informed and take necessary precautions to ensure a healthier season ahead.
For more information on flu season trends and vaccination, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
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Flu Vaccine and Communication Pause Complicate Tracking of Disease Spread
January 21, 2025 – As the flu season peaks in February, experts are sounding the alarm on the need for improved flu vaccines and the challenges posed by a recent communication pause from health agencies. Mark J. Mulligan, chief of infectious disease and director of the vaccine center at NYU Langone Health, emphasizes that while the flu vaccine needs betterment, it remains the best defense we have.
The Importance of Flu Vaccines
Flu vaccines are crucial, especially for vulnerable populations such as young children, the elderly, and those with underlying health conditions. According to Mulligan, “The flu vaccine needs to be improved, but it’s the best thing we have right now.” Health officials continue to stress the importance of basic preventive measures to minimize the spread of the flu.
impact of Communication Pause
A communication pause initiated by the Trump administration on January 21 has made it increasingly difficult to track and understand how the disease spreads. This pause has left both medical professionals and the public with limited guidance. Historically,the CDC has issued alerts to inform healthcare providers about emerging health threats and seasonal surges in illnesses such as the flu.
Historical context and Current Challenges
The CDC’s role in disseminating critical health information cannot be overstated. Their alerts have been instrumental in preparing healthcare providers for emerging threats. However, the recent communication pause has created a vacuum of information, complicating efforts to monitor and control the spread of the flu.
Experts weigh In
Mulligan notes that the flu generally peaks in February, and while the numbers are high, he is not overly concerned. he also points out that the pandemic has had lasting effects, with people not getting the usual exposures to illnesses, leading to some lingering aftereffects.
Preventive Measures
Basic preventive measures such as frequent handwashing, wearing masks, and maintaining social distance remain essential. Additionally, getting an annual flu vaccine is the most effective way to reduce the risk of severe illness.
Summary of Key Points
| Key Point | Description |
|————————————————|—————————————————————————–|
| Flu Vaccine need | The flu vaccine needs improvement but remains the best available option.|
| Communication Pause | The pause has made tracking and understanding the flu’s spread more difficult.|
| Historical Role of CDC | The CDC historically issues alerts to inform healthcare providers about threats.|
| Preventive Measures | Basic measures and annual flu vaccines are crucial for prevention. |
Conclusion
As we navigate the complexities of the flu season, it is clear that improved vaccines and effective communication are essential.The recent pause in communication has highlighted the importance of timely and accurate health information. By staying vigilant and adhering to preventive measures, we can better protect ourselves and our communities.
For more information on flu vaccines and preventive measures,visit the CDC’s flu page.
This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current flu season, the importance of vaccines, and the challenges posed by the communication pause. Stay informed and take necessary precautions to stay healthy.
Health Professionals Struggle Without Clear Federal Health Alerts
Health professionals across the nation are facing meaningful challenges due to the lack of clear updates from federal agencies. These alerts are crucial in helping doctors recognize infection patterns and prepare for potential increases in patient volume. Without such updates, many health professionals have had to rely on piecemeal information, making it harder to coordinate an effective response.
Zachary Rubin, a pediatric infectious-disease physician in Illinois, has felt the impact of this absence acutely. “When we can’t find the information combating any type of public health issue, whether it’s influenza or an emerging pandemic, we’re not able to communicate this information to the general public,” rubin said. “It’s not proper health communication that’s going on.”
The lack of federal guidance has also affected public awareness efforts.Medical providers are finding it harder to convey the severity of the flu season to communities that may not see the full picture. This has led to a call for a return to regular health alerts from many doctors and public health officials.
Key Points: Impact of Absent Federal health Alerts
| Aspect Affected | Description |
|——————————-|—————————————————————————–|
| Infection Pattern Recognition | Doctors struggle to recognize infection patterns without clear updates. |
| Patient Volume Readiness | Difficulty in preparing for potential increases in patient volume.|
| Public Communication | Inability to communicate effectively with the general public.|
| Public Awareness | Challenges in conveying the severity of health issues to communities. |
An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated that 11 states are experiencing the highest level of flu activity.It is actually 10 states and New York City. This story has been corrected.
For more insights on the importance of federal health alerts, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).Health professionals urge the public to stay informed and take necessary precautions. Regular updates from reliable sources can make a significant difference in public health outcomes.
Stay Informed: Regularly check CDC updates for the latest health information.
Take Action: Share this article to raise awareness about the importance of federal health alerts.
This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the challenges faced by health professionals due to the lack of federal health alerts.For more detailed information, visit the CDC.
