U.S. flu hospitalizations spike to highest level in a decade: health officials
Global News
An early fall spike in influenza cases has pushed U.S. hospitalization rates for the illness to the highest in a decade for this time of year, U.S. health officials said on Friday
An early fall spike in influenza cases has pushed U.S. hospitalization rates for the illness to the highest in a decade for this time of year, U.S.health officials said on Friday, noting that vaccination rates are down.
The rising flu cases come alongside pressure on hospitals from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and COVID cases, officials said, urging people to get vaccinated and offering to assist states that may need additional support.
“There’s no doubt we will face some challenges this winter,” U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response Dawn O’Connell told reporters, adding that the flu season so far does not seem more severe but has arrived earlier than is typical.
There have been 5 million fewer doses of influenza vaccine administered to U.S. adults so far this year compared to this time last year, officials said.
Flu vaccine uptake is about the same for children this year but overall is down 6% compared to before the COVID pandemic began in 2020.
About 5% fewer pregnant people have received flu shots so far this season, which officials say is especially worrisome because the vaccine protects both the expecting mother and her baby, officials added.
U.S. flu shots are made by Sanofi SA, GSK and Seqirus, a unit of CSL Ltd
(Reporting by Julie Steenhuysen and Susan Heavey; Editing by Bill Berkrot)
Here is what we know about Brian Thompson, the 50-year-old CEO of UnitedHealthcare who was killed in New York City Wednesday morning.
Members of the Cheam and Sqwá First Nations said they discovered a pipe spewing industrial waste into the Hope Slough near Rosedale.
While the holiday season may bring thoughts of snow, U.S. health authorities have a stark reminder for the warmer months: summer splash pads can harbour serious health risks.
The recall pertains to MEC Men’s Borderlands pants, available in black and rosin colours. It also involves certain MEC mitts for children and youths, and certain gloves for adults.
The average number of letters people receive has dropped significantly over the years — down to just two per week compared to seven per week in 2006, according to Canada Post.
The outbreak, which was first reported in October, sickened at least 104 people in 14 states, including one person who died and 34 who were hospitalized.
The Alberta Energy Regulator has completed the first day of hearings into a controversial application to allow exploratory drilling for coal in the Grassy Mountain area.
The outbreak, which was first reported in October, sickened at least 104 people in 14 states, including one person who died and 34 who were hospitalized.
A nationwide recall has been issued for Taylor Farms' Sweet Kale Chopped Kit due to potential salmonella contamination, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) warned.
The City of Toronto is warning its ability to handle garbage at its landfill will hit capacity in 10 years, and finding a new landfill won't be easy.
Three-year-old Wade Butter’s cancer diagnosis brought his family to Ronald McDonald House, a lifeline during countless hospital visits and long, challenging days.