Flu Virus Intensifies in Some Areas of the US Despite National Decline
The flu virus continues to persist in the United States, intensifying in certain regions of the country despite a national decline. Recent data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed a continued drop in flu hospitalizations nationwide. However, other indicators, such as the number of states reporting high levels of respiratory illnesses, have shown an increase.
According to Alicia Budd, a representative from the CDC, while the nation as a whole has likely reached its peak in flu cases, regional variations exist. “Nationally, we can say we’ve peaked, but on a regional level it varies,” she explained. “A couple of regions haven’t peaked yet.”
In some parts of the country, patient traffic has eased, particularly in the Southeast and parts of the West Coast. However, flu-like illnesses appear to be spreading in the Midwest and have even experienced a slight rebound in certain areas. Last week, reports indicated high levels of flu cases in 23 states, up from 18 the previous week.
Typically, flu season in the U.S. peaks between December and February. National data suggests that this season’s peak occurred around late December. However, it is important to note that a second surge is always possible. In previous flu seasons, second peaks have occurred, although they are often lower than the initial peak.
So far, this flu season has been relatively typical, according to Budd. Since October, there have been an estimated 22 million flu-related illnesses, 250,000 hospitalizations, and 15,000 deaths. Alarmingly, 74 children have lost their lives due to flu complications.
Interestingly, COVID-19 cases seem to have peaked around the same time as the flu. CDC data indicates that hospitalizations caused by coronavirus have not reached the same levels as previous winters. However, COVID-19 is still responsible for more hospitalizations than the flu.
Dr. David Weber, an infectious diseases expert at the University of North Carolina, confirmed that the national trends are reflected in Chapel Hill. At UNC Medical Center, patient numbers surged about a month ago, with over 100 beds occupied by individuals suffering from COVID-19, flu, or the respiratory virus RSV. While this is not as severe as previous winters, when COVID-19 patients filled up to 250 beds at one point, the situation still prompted the hospital to declare a capacity emergency. Currently, around 35 beds are occupied by patients with these viruses, with COVID-19 being the most prevalent.
Dr. Weber stated that this year has been relatively typical, considering the circumstances. The inclusion of COVID-19 has made everything a little busier than before the pandemic. He added, “I think in general it’s been a pretty typical year.”
In conclusion, although there has been a decline in flu hospitalizations nationwide, certain regions in the U.S. are experiencing an intensification of flu cases. The flu season’s peak occurred around late December, but a second surge is still possible. COVID-19 cases have also peaked around the same time as the flu, with more hospitalizations attributed to COVID-19 than the flu. Despite the challenges posed by these respiratory illnesses, healthcare professionals are managing the situation as best they can.
