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Flu hospitalization rate at highest level for this time of year since 2010 season, but still relatively low
ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos • • health
Key Points:
- The U.S. flu hospitalization rate is at its highest for this time of year since the 2009-10 H1N1 pandemic, with increases in positive flu tests, emergency visits, and hospitalizations since late August.
- Adults over 65 have the highest hospitalization rates, followed by those aged 50-64 and children aged 0-4; Louisiana and Hawaii report moderate flu activity, while other states report low or minimal levels.
- Despite rising flu activity in some regions, overall flu levels remain relatively low nationwide, and the CDC is monitoring virus mutations to assess potential impacts on vaccine effectiveness.
- Walgreens data indicates flu activity is about four weeks ahead of recent seasons, with increased sales of flu-related products and higher activity in states like California, Florida, Hawaii, Nevada, and Washington.
- The CDC advises annual flu vaccination for everyone aged 6 months and older, with higher-dose vaccines for those 65 and older, and highlights the availability of antiviral drugs that can reduce flu severity if taken early.
