Flu Cases Surge Across 13 States, Including Georgia, Days Before Christmas

As families prepare for holiday gatherings, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports a significant increase in flu activity across the United States. Thirteen states, including Georgia, have reported high or very high levels of flu-like illness in the week leading up to Christmas, nearly doubling from the previous week.

The CDC has observed a sharp rise in laboratory tests and emergency room visits related to influenza. In Georgia, health officials are urging vaccination as the state experiences a spike in flu cases that is nearly unprecedented for this early in the season .Key points:

• Nationwide, 9% of respiratory specimens tested positive for influenza in clinical laboratories, up from the previous week.
• Influenza A viruses, particularly H1N1 and H3N2 strains, are currently predominant9.
• The hospitalization rate for flu reached 1.5 per 100,000 population in the most recent week reported.
• Emergency room visits for flu-like illness have increased to 3.8% nationally, above the baseline of 3.0%.

Dr. Andi Shane from Children's Healthcare of Atlanta emphasizes the importance of parental vigilance: "If a parent is worried about their child's breathing or if the child is unable to eat or drink, that signals the need for medical evaluation". 

Health officials strongly recommend flu vaccination for everyone six months and older, especially those at high risk for complications. As multiple respiratory viruses circulate, including COVID-19, experts advise taking precautions to stay healthy during the holiday season.