According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of influenza cases in the US has increased sharply since the beginning of winter, about 4-6 weeks earlier than the average of many years. influenza A strains H1N1 and H3N2 are dominant, and are considered the main cause of faster spread, especially in young children and the elderly.
The World Health Organization (WHO) said that the flu situation this season tends to be uneven across regions. Several Asian and European countries have recorded rapid shift between influenza A and influenza B strains, making it more difficult to predict the peak of the epidemic. WHO warned that subjectivity after the pandemic, reducing masks and digging distance are factors that contribute to the spread of the flu.
In addition, a report from Healthline shows that this year's flu symptoms are more likely to be confused with COVID-19, such as cough, muscle pain, high fever, and prolonged sore throat. The overlap between respiratory diseases makes early diagnosis challenging and increases the risk of complications in people with underlying diseases.
The CDC also noted that flu hospitalizations are rising faster than last year. Experts say that the decline in immunity over time and vaccine interruptions in many population groups are factors that make the situation this year more worrying.
In that context, WHO called on countries to increase seasonal influenza vaccination, especially for the risk group: children under 5 years old, pregnant women, people over 65 years old and people with cardiovascular - respiratory diseases. The current vaccine is still considered effective in reducing the risk of serious illness and hospitalizations.
The early flu outbreak season is a warning sign to watch out for. Keeping your hands hygienic, wearing a mask in crowded places, enhancing nutrition and getting vaccinated according to recommendations are effective measures to reduce the risk of infection.
