U.S. flu season 2024/ flu vaccination rates/ Tennessee flu cases/ Louisiana vaccine policy/ holiday virus spread/ Newslooks/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The U.S. flu season has begun, with cases surging across states like Tennessee and Louisiana. Vaccination rates remain low, particularly among children, raising concerns for public health as the holiday season increases opportunities for virus spread.
Flu Season 2024: Quick Look
Key Points
- Flu Spike: Cases rising sharply, with 13 states reporting high flu activity.
- Tennessee & Louisiana: Notable hotspots experiencing significant spikes in flu-like illnesses.
- Vaccination Lag: Rates for children dropped from 44% to 41% compared to last year; adult rates remain at 41%.
- Health Policy Concerns: Louisiana backs away from recommending flu and COVID-19 vaccines, prompting backlash from health experts.
Flu Season 2024: Rising Cases Amid Declining Vaccinations
Deep Look
Flu Season Arrives with a Surge
The flu season in the United States has officially begun, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting sharp increases in flu-related lab tests, emergency room visits, and hospitalizations.
“Flu cases have been increasing at a steady pace, and we are certainly in the flu season now,” said Alicia Budd, a CDC expert.
Thirteen states, including Tennessee and Louisiana, have reported high or very high levels of flu-like illness.
Meanwhile, Dr. Catherine O’Neal of Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, said the rise in flu cases is affecting workplaces as parents and employees fall ill.
Other Viruses in the Mix
Alongside flu, COVID-19 and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) remain active.
- COVID-19: Hospitalizations are declining nationwide, but activity remains high in the Midwest.
- RSV: Hospitalizations remain slightly more frequent than flu admissions, with higher activity reported in the South.
The CDC tracks flu season trends through various indicators, including lab data and emergency department visits.
Vaccination Rates Worry Experts
Flu vaccination rates for children and adults are stagnant or declining:
- Children: Only 41% are vaccinated, down from 44% last year.
- Adults: Vaccination rates remain steady at 41%.
- COVID-19 Vaccination: Rates are even lower, with just 21% of adults and 11% of children up to date.
“All those gatherings that are so heartwarming and fun are also opportunities for this virus to spread,” Schaffner warned. “It’s not too late to get vaccinated.”
Policy Controversy in Louisiana
Louisiana’s Department of Health recently announced a controversial change, stepping back from endorsing flu and COVID-19 vaccinations. Instead, it advised individuals to consult their doctors about whether the vaccines are right for them.
Health advocates condemned the move, emphasizing the potential consequences of discouraging vaccinations.
“People are going to die because of this policy,” said Jennifer Herricks, founder of Louisiana Families for Vaccines.
Louisiana has seen significant flu activity, and Dr. Ralph Abraham, the state’s surgeon general, has previously expressed doubts about the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines.
Comparisons to Last Flu Season
The previous flu season lasted 21 weeks, with the CDC estimating 28,000 flu-related deaths and 205 pediatric deaths—the highest number for a conventional flu season.
A CDC review revealed that among children who died, 80% were not fully vaccinated, highlighting the critical role of immunization in preventing severe outcomes.
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