NEW YORK -- The U.S. flu season is underway, with cases surging across much of the country, health officials said Friday.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention noted sharp increases in several measures, including lab tests and emergency room visits.
"It's been increasing at a pretty steady pace now for the past several weeks," the CDC's Alicia Budd said.
Thirteen states reported high or very high levels of flu-like illness last week, about double from the week before.
Of course, there are a number of bugs that cause fever, cough, sore throat and other flu-like symptoms. One is COVID-19. Another is RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, which is a common cause of cold-like symptoms but can be dangerous for infants and the elderly.
As of Dec. 7, about 41% of adults had received a flu vaccination, similar to the rate at the same point last year. The percentage is the same for kids, but for them that's a drop from a year ago, when 44% were vaccinated.
People are also reading... La Crosse man accused of taking upskirt photos at Walmart La Crosse man faces child pornography charges Shooter identified in shooting at Abundant Life Christian School | Live updates Anna and Jamie rise above La Crosse camps into new, rich lives Renovation and revival: Super Buffet reopens with success La Crosse man arrested for drunken driving with minor in vehicle Logan football's record-setting two-way star named Tribune Player of the Year Taco Broz, Dunkin' and Crystal Eclipse open in La Crosse area -- Steve Cahalan 'Everyone was targeted' in Madison school shooting, police say | Live updates La Crosse battery suspect accused of breaking victim's nose Meet the high school football All-Tribune honorees Police: 2 pounds of cocaine seized from home of Winona woman previously charged with having 1.3 pounds of the drug Dog business, Mexican restaurant and cheese and meat shop make debut - Steve Cahalan Man arrested for 4th OWI after vehicle found in ditch near Holmen Coach leading Logan football to exceed expectations named Tribune Coach of the Year
Vaccination rates are lower still against COVID-19, with about 21% of adults and 11% of children up to date.
Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0
Be the first to know
Get local news delivered to your inbox!
Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy.