The current flu season has seen the highest rate of doctor’s visits for flu-like symptoms since the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention began collecting data through a national surveillance network in 1997, reports BritPanorama.
As the season progresses, the CDC is tracking these case rates and hospitalizations across the country, with data expected to be updated weekly. The rate of doctor’s visits for flu-like illness is based on reported symptoms that include a fever plus a cough or sore throat. The CDC estimates that, on average, around 8% of the US population gets sick from the flu each season.
Children are more likely to get sick from the flu than adults, though older adults aged 65 years and older and children younger than two are at greater risk for developing complications. The CDC monitors flu-like illness activity across states, with weekly activity levels based on the rate of doctor’s visits.
The latest
Each flu season, hundreds of thousands of people in the US are hospitalized due to the flu. Throughout the season, the cumulative hospitalization rate tracks the number of laboratory-confirmed flu hospitalizations per 100,000 people. The CDC continues to emphasize the importance of vaccination and timely medical attention during periods of high flu activity.
Doctor’s visits
The figures for doctor’s visits highlight a significant public health concern, particularly as the flu can lead to serious complications for vulnerable populations. The CDC’s real-time data collection serves as a critical tool for understanding and managing the ongoing challenges posed by influenza.
Hospitalizations
While the flu is generally considered a seasonal illness, its impact on hospital systems can be profound during peak seasons. The combination of sustained high visitation rates and hospitalization figures underscores the need for continued vigilance and public health communication as the flu season unfolds.
The data compiled by the CDC provides a crucial basis for informed health decisions and reinforces the ongoing efforts to mitigate the impact of seasonal flu in the United States.
