Flu Activity Is ‘Low’ in U.S., CDC Says




The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in the United States has announced that flu activity is currently at a "low" level across the country. This news comes as a welcome relief to many, who had been concerned about the potential for a serious flu season, particularly in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the CDC, the number of flu cases reported in the United States so far this season is significantly lower than in previous years. As of late February 2023, only a few states had reported any significant flu activity, and the overall number of flu cases reported nationwide remains well below average.

This is in sharp contrast to previous years, when the flu season in the United States has often been characterized by widespread outbreaks and high levels of flu activity. In the 2019-2020 flu season, for example, the CDC estimates that there were as many as 38 million cases of flu in the United States, with more than 22,000 deaths attributed to the virus.

The low level of flu activity this season can be attributed in part to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Many of the same measures that have been put in place to slow the spread of COVID-19, such as social distancing, wearing masks, and washing hands regularly, are also effective at reducing the spread of the flu.

In addition, the widespread use of flu vaccines may also be contributing to the low levels of flu activity this season. The CDC reports that more than 189 million doses of flu vaccine have been distributed in the United States so far this season, and many experts believe that the vaccine has been effective at reducing the spread of the virus.

Despite the low levels of flu activity this season, health officials are still urging people to take steps to protect themselves from the flu. This includes getting vaccinated, practicing good hand hygiene, and staying home when sick.

In conclusion, the low levels of flu activity in the United States this season are good news for many, particularly in light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. While it remains important to take steps to protect against the flu, the current situation provides a welcome respite from the high levels of flu activity seen in previous years.

Comments