United States: The US CDC data released Friday shows a continued drop in flu hospitalizations in the country, but other factors were also up — like the numbers of states with high or very high levels of respiratory illnesses.
“Nationally, we can say we’ve peaked, but on a regional level, it varies,” said the CDC’s Alicia Budd. “A couple of regions haven’t peaked yet.”
According to the CDC officials, this flu-like illness has penetrated and Intensified in the Midwest. Earlier this week, 23 states were at high levels – up from 18 weeks before.
Seasonally, flu typically peaks in the US somewhere between December and February. The peak that national data suggest for this season came around late December; however, a second wave will always be possible. It has happened in other flu seasons; the second peak has often — but not always — been lower than the first, Budd said.
COVID-19 and Flu Comparison
According to Budd, this season has been relatively typical so far. The CDC statistics, since October, there have been at least 22 million illnesses, 250,000 hospitalizations, and 15,000 deaths from flu. The agency stated that 74 children died of the flu.
Simultaneous Impact of Flu and COVID-19
COVID-19 illness seems to have reached around the same time as flu. Data from the centers show hospitalizations due to the coronavirus haven’t increased as much as they did in the previous three winters. More COVID-19 patients are in hospital than flu, according to CDC data.
Flu Do’s and Don’ts
- DO stay home from work or school so that you don’t infect others and hinder your own recovery.
- DO take your recovery slowly and seriously.
- DON’T forget to drink and stay hydrated, even though you don’t feel like eating.
- DON’T ignore worsening symptoms, or getting better, then worse. Call your health-care provider immediately.
Caring For Someone with The Flu
The Centers for Disease Control recommends giving a sick person his own room. If more than one person has flu, they can share a room.
Have sick people use the same bathroom and well people use a different bathroom, if possible. Give each sick person his own drinking glass, washcloth, and towel. Caregivers should wash their own hands frequently.
Feeling sick? COVID and flu cases are on the rise.
In this condition most people should stay at home and avoid contact with others except to get medical care. keep in touch with your doctor or health-care provider about whether you should go to the health-care provider for a diagnosis.
If an infant/child is infected with flu and he/she is unable to eat, has trouble breathing, no tears when crying, and significantly fewer wet diapers than normal.