Here’s a summary of the CNN article about the current flu season:
Key Points:
* Intense Season: This flu season is notably intense, which is unusual following a bad flu season the year prior.
* Increased Cases: Flu-like symptoms are up nationally, with 8.2% of doctor visits attributed to them in the last week of the year, compared to 6.7% during the same period last season.
* High Activity: Almost all US states are experiencing high or very high levels of flu activity, with only Montana, Vermont, South Dakota, and West Virginia reporting lower levels.
* Severity: While hospitalization rates aren’t yet record-breaking, they are the third highest at this point in the season as 2010-11 and could increase.
* Deaths: The CDC estimates at least 11 million people have had the flu this season, with 120,000 hospitalizations and 5,000 deaths. Nine children have died.
* Vaccination Urged: Health officials, including those in Massachusetts, are strongly urging people to get vaccinated against both the flu and COVID-19. Experts emphasize that it’s not too late to benefit from vaccination.
* Declining Vaccination Rates (Children): Flu vaccination rates in children have dropped from 53% in 2019-20 to 42% this season.
* potential Vaccination Access Issues: The US Department of Health and Human Services is considering changes to the childhood vaccine schedule that could require a consultation with a healthcare provider before administering the flu vaccine, perhaps making it harder to access.
Overall Message: The article conveys a sense of urgency regarding the current flu season, emphasizing the severity of the situation and the importance of vaccination to protect individuals and communities.
