Multiple US states are seeing ‘skyrocketing’ cases of a new ‘super flu‘ strain weeks earlier than expected, health officials warn.
CDC figures dating December 6, the latest available, show ‘very high’ transmission of influenza in New York City, with ‘high’ activity in surrounding New Jersey and New York state.
The data also shows Colorado and Louisiana are reporting ‘high’ levels, with ‘moderate’ activity in Idaho and Connecticut.
The surges, which come weeks ahead of typical holiday spikes, are thought to be largely driven by the dangerous new flu strain H3N2 subclade K, which is on the rise in more than three dozen states.
New York City’s acting health commissioner Dr Michelle Morse said the city’s cases are ‘skyrocketing’ and urged residents to get their annual flu shots and to wear a mask if symptoms develop.
Poly Prep Country Day School, a private school in Brooklyn, closed for two days last week after at least 200 students were absent or sent home with the flu or flu-like symptoms, according to Jennifer Slomack, the school’s senior director of engagement and communications.
In Texas, health officials reported the week ending December 6 was the third in the row to surpass 5,000 hospital and clinic visits, double the amount of last year.
The Texas Health department also reported that during the week ending December 6, 7.4 per 100,000 people over age 65 in Texas were hospitalized compared to 2.2 per 100,000 last month.
Don’t that mask bullshit again, most people know better