Flu surges across U.S. as doctor visits reach highest level since 1997
CBS News••health
Key Points:
- Flu cases in the United States have surged, with the CDC reporting at least 11 million cases, 120,000 hospitalizations, and 5,000 deaths as of December 27, marking the highest flu-related doctor's visits since 1997.
- Forty-eight jurisdictions are experiencing "high" or "very high" flu levels, a significant increase from 32 jurisdictions the previous week, while only four areas report low flu activity.
- The H3N2 subtype of influenza A is driving this severe flu season, accounting for over 91% of subtyped cases and posing increased risks, especially to seniors, due to its difficulty for the immune system to recognize.
- Flu vaccination rates have declined, with approximately 130
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