Influenza lingers in the U.S., with infections spreading in some parts of the country after weeks of apparent decline across the country
NEW YORK — The influenza virus is on its way in the United States, with infections rising in some parts of the country after weeks of apparent decline across the country.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data released Friday shows influenza hospitalizations continue to decline nationally, but other factors, including the number of states with high or very high levels of respiratory illness, show that influenza hospitalizations continue to decline nationally. indicators are increasing.
“While we can say we’ve reached a peak nationally, there are variations at the local level,” said Alicia Budd of the CDC. “Some areas have not yet reached their peak.”
Flu-like illnesses appear to be surging in the Midwest, with high levels in 23 states last week, up from 18 the week before, CDC officials said.
The peak influenza season in the United States typically occurs between December and February. National data shows this season’s peak was around late December, but a second surge is always a possibility. This has happened with other flu seasons, with the second peak often, but not always, lower than the first, Budd said.
Budd said this season has been relatively typical so far. The CDC estimates that since early October, at least 22 million people have been sickened by influenza, with 250,000 hospitalizations and 15,000 deaths. The agency announced that 74 children died from the flu.
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