Influenza-Like Illness Cases are Spreading Across the United States

Flu season is projected to come early in the United States this year as cases of influenza-like illnesses is spreading across the United States. This comes as US health authorities reported that flu activity has started to increase nationwide, which has also grappled with the existing outbreak of the monkeypox virus novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Regardless, patients are showing symptoms related to flu.

In the US, flu activity normally starts to manifest in October and peaks between the months of December and February. Seasonal flu is caused by influenza viruses which usually occurs during the fall and winter seasons. The most common flu symptoms include fever, cough, and sore throat. There are instances when flu leads to mild cases, resulting in hospitalizations, and even death.

The flu season can spread in an unprecedented manner, including droplets of cough, sneeze, or even saliva from infected people. However, human science and technology has already come a long way when it comes to developing and implementing methos, including the usage of flu shots. However, are instances where individuals avoid vaccines, resulting in risk ignorance and spread.

Rising Influenza-Like Illnesses

Between October 2 and October 8, most states across the US reported rising outpatient visits for influenza-like illnesses, according to the Weekly U.S. Influenza Surveillance Report (FluView) by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Furthermore, the US health body reported there were 3.3% positive for influenza A (H3N2) this week.

The CDC report on October 14 indicates early increases in the seasonal influenza activity for most parts of the US, where the southeastern and southern-central areas of the country are reporting of having the highest levels of flu activity.

Louisiana and Virginia reported a moderate rate of influenza activity. In addition, Georgia, New York City, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas reported a high rate. Lastly, Washington, D.C. reported a very high rate. While projections long-term projections are still unclear at this time, the scope of the flu infection is likely to increase in the coming weeks and days.

Early Flu Season

Experts warn that flu season is starting early this year and it could result in severe symptoms. The forecast of a severe flu season in the US comes as the country experiences the outbreaks of respiratory conditions, WebMD reports.

It is a concern that the public could witness a "very substantial influenza season" coming in 2022, a season which is far different from the two previous season, according to William Schaffner, M.D., a professor at Vanderbilt University, told CNN.

The US media outlet cites that the new CDC report also mentioned 1,322 patients were admitted to hospitals with influenza this week, including three children who died from causes associated with influenza.

Seasonal influenza is known as an acute respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses which is found circulating in all regions of the world. There are four types of seasonal influenza viruses such as types A, B, C, and D, wherein Influenza A and Influenza B viruses cause the seasonal epidemics of disease, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).