The Centers for Disease Control has warned about a potentially severe flu season this year, which will be a change from the relatively few cases of influenza that emerged during the last two years of the Covid-19 pandemic.
According to CDC, Georgia and Texas are the states with the highest number of flu cases compared to last year with the flu spreading in several areas of the South region. As per research, the flu season historically begins in the southern part and lasts almost eight months. It starts in October with December being its highest phase.
A statement was issued by medical director William stating that as per past trends in the southern region, the flu season may touch its highest peak this year, although influenza is still in its early stages in the U.S.
An update regarding the flu season came from the Australian Government Healthcare Department that the flu season arrived two months earlier than usual and has produced one of the worst seasons in recent years, having thrice the number of cases compared to past years’ data.
During the flu season, the government recorded close to 310 influenza-related fatalities from a total number of cases of more than 225,000. When compared to 2020, the fatalities were 37 from a total number of cases of more than 21000. The results indicate that the cases are ten times higher and the number of casualties is eight times higher compared to the data for 2020.
As per the data, the virus impacted young people in Australia. Although COVID-19 has been comparatively moderate for children, scientists warn that children may be especially vulnerable this year due to reduced natural protection as a result of lockdown measures and social distancing in the last 2 years.
According to CDC data, influenza A- a more serious strain of the virus- has been found more than the influenza B strain. Influenza A spreads nearly twice as fast as Influenza B but is usually a less prevalent strain.
The symptoms of influenza and flu are almost the same, but in the case of influenza, the virus spreads quickly and has high intensity. The symptoms range from a cough or runny nose to more severe symptoms like a fever or body aches. Other symptoms include vomiting or diarrhea, which is more common in children.
The CDC has urged people to continue to practice all the precautionary steps such as social distancing, covering coughs, and frequent hand washing.
The director of the CDC Dr. Rochelle Walensky released a statement:
“Over the past two years, we’ve seen some worrisome drops in flu vaccination coverage, especially in some groups of people who are at the highest risk of developing serious flu illness. Therefore, due to a potentially challenging flu season ahead, I urge everyone to protect themselves and their families from flu and its potentially serious complications”.
