As flu cases rise, health officials say it's not too late to get vaccinated
by Bryanna Carroll
Nationwide, the CDC is reporting elevated cases of the flu, while other respiratory illnesses such as RSV and COVID-19 have decreased in prevalence. Photo: NBC Montana{ }{p}{/p}
BOZEMAN, Mont.
Nationwide, the CDC is reporting elevated cases of the flu, while other respiratory illnesses such as RSV and COVID-19 have decreased in prevalence.
In Montana, the Department of Public Health and Human Services designated influenza as widespread, with above-average emergency room visits from patients reporting flulike symptoms during the month of January.
Last week, Yellowstone County reported close to 600 cases of Influenza, the highest in the state. Other areas with heightened flu activity include Flathead, Cascade, Lewis and Clark, Big Horn and Gallatin counties, all reporting between 200 and 500 cases in that same time period.
Dr. Peter Bulger, infectious disease medical director for Bozeman Health, says right now the state is currently in the midst of heavy flu season, and advises those who have not yet gotten vaccinated to do so now.
I think some people wonder whether it's still worth doing this far into the flu season, and I would say absolutely, it is still worth doing, said Bulger. The flu vaccine is definitely our best weapon against people getting the flu and against people getting terribly sick from the flu.
Bozeman Health has seen more flu hospitalizations in recent weeks than hospitalizations for COVID-19. But Bulger says the latter is still a threat, and for those who havent yet gotten the updated COVID-19 vaccination, he recommends getting that as well.
There's probably more COVID than anything out there, and as far as the number of hospitalizations and deaths, COVID is probably still the biggest threat, said Bulger.
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Doctors warn of second wave of flu in the South
by Sarah Gail
KUTV
PENSACOLA, Fla. -- Public health authorities are warning of a second wave of increased flu activity in the Midwest and parts of the South.
It can affect anyone, young or old.
"No one is immune from the flu," said Dr. Katrina Skinner, a pediatrician in Fairhope, Alabama. "So even people who are super healthy and have no underlying health conditions can still get severely ill from the flu or even die from the flu."
Flu cases in the U.S. jumped more than 16 percent last week.
While Florida has a lower number of cases compared to neighboring states, the CDC puts us in a moderate activity level.
"If someone coughs or sneezes and they have the flu and you're nearby, you can breathe in those germs and then there's a chance you'll be infected with the flu and you'll start feeling sick too," Dr. Skinner said.
Stacy Davis is a registered pharmacist. She has pharmacies in Gulf Shores and Lillian, Alabama.
She says her office has seen an uptick in people needing flu medications.
"We've seen a significant increase since the first of the year in dispensing medications for flu, strep throat, and other viral illnesses," Davis said.
One possible reason for the increase in cases could be the lack of vaccinations.
The CDC says more than half of Americans haven't gotten their flu shot.
"Physicians are seeing an increase in vaccine hesitancy in general since the pandemic and I think that affects flu vaccinations as well," Dr. Skinner said.
Dr. Skinner adds many people are just busier after the pandemic.
"I am seeing a lot of my families who normally prioritize the flu vaccine, they're just forgetting," she said.
But she advises people to get on top of it -- for their sake and for the sake of others.
"This year the flu vaccine has shown to be a pretty good match for the circulating strain, so if you do get a vaccine, there's a good chance you're gonna be pretty well protected," Dr. Skinner said.
Dr. Skinner says it's not too late to get a flu vaccine. She recommends everyone 6 months or older to get one.
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According to a study published in JAMA Pediatrics, maternal influenza vaccination during pregnancy resulted in protection for the infant during the first months of life, prior to influenza vaccination eligibility at 6 months of age.
Samantha Olson, MPH, study investigator; epidemiologist, Influenza Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, Georgia, joins Contemporary Pediatrics to break down the purpose of the study and provide detailed results.
Results revealed that vaccine effectiveness was, "highest among hospitalized infants, those younger than 3 months, and those born to mothers vaccinated in the third trimester."
"We saw that infants born to mothers that received influenza vaccination during pregnancy saw a reduction in hospitalizations in emergency department visits by approximately a third," Olson told Contemporary Pediatrics.
Data from the 2016 to 2017 influenza season through the 2019 to 2020 influenza season, just prior to the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, was used in the study.
Since the pandemic, Olson noted, there has been a decline in pregnant persons who have received the influenza vaccine.
"As of December 2023, in the current influenza season, we've seen about a 3% reduction since the last flu season." Olson said.
"When we compare to prior seasons, those prior to [the COVID-19 pandemic], we see about a 17% reduction from the current season to December 2019."
Reference:
Sahni LC, Olson SM, Halasa NB, et al. Maternal vaccine effectiveness against influenza-associated hospitalizations and emergency department visits in infants. JAMA Pediatr. 2024;178(2):176184. doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2023.5639
Understanding the Decline in Flu Vaccination
Flu shot uptake has seen a noticeable decrease in 2024 compared to the previous season. A total of 156 million influenza vaccines have been distributed during the 2023-2024 season, a considerable drop from the 176 million distributed during the 2021-2022 season. This downward trend in the number of individuals receiving flu shots raises concerns for public health. The reasons behind this decrease, influenced by factors such as public perception, access to vaccines, and awareness campaigns, warrant further investigation.
According to a report by Precision Vaccinations, as of January 20, 2024, flu shot coverage estimates for the 2023-24 season are lower for all children and pregnant women compared to previous seasons. The national coverage for all U.S. adults stands at 47%, with coverage among states and D.C. ranging from 36.8% to 62.3%. Despite this, the CDC continues to recommend that everyone aged six months and older receive an annual flu vaccine as long as influenza viruses are circulating.
The CDCs Weekly Influenza Vaccination Dashboard provides preliminary weekly flu vaccination data for the 2023-24 flu season. The data encompasses a broad spectrum, including vaccination coverage for children, pregnant individuals, adults, and healthcare personnel, as well as the number of adult vaccinations administered in pharmacies and medical offices. The dashboard underscores the significance of flu vaccination, particularly for individuals at a higher risk of severe complications from influenza, and advocates for annual vaccination.
Data from the CDC also provides insights into the distribution of flu vaccine doses in the United States. During the flu season 2023-2024, the first data collection and reporting period spanned two weeks due to the 53 weeks in the 2024 calendar year, leading to an adjustment in data visualization for this period.
A comparative study performed in Shanghai, China, revealed that the influenza vaccination rate for the 20212022 season (17.68%) was significantly higher than that in the 20182019 season (11.8%). Children had the highest vaccination coverage (35.68%), followed by adults (12.75%) and the elderly (11.70%). Factors associated with vaccination included household income, sex, and education level for adults. The study suggests that efforts should be made to increase awareness of influenza vaccines according to the characteristics of different populations.
The decline in flu shot uptake in the U.S. during 2024 has potential implications for public health. While the exact reasons behind this trend are yet to be fully understood, the data suggests that public perception, access to vaccines, and awareness campaigns play a crucial role. Further investigation into these factors can provide valuable insights and contribute to strategies aimed at reversing this trend, ensuring adequate protection against influenza for all demographic groups, particularly those at higher risk.
Flu Season is Here: Protect Your Child
With the flu season in full swing, parents are urged to get their children vaccinated against influenza. Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a dangerous and potentially deadly illness that can persist until spring. Protecting children with a flu vaccine is an effective way to prevent serious illness. For more insights into how the flu vaccine can benefit children, several authoritative sources offer comprehensive information.
According to Contemporary Pediatrics, maternal influenza vaccination plays a crucial role in shielding infants from influenza until they are eligible for vaccination at 6 months of age. Recent studies have shown a reduction in influenza-associated hospitalizations and emergency department visits in infants due to maternal vaccination. The article also offers insights into COVID-19 and other vaccine-preventable diseases.
The Weekly Influenza (Flu) Vaccination Dashboard hosted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides preliminary weekly flu vaccination data. The data covers vaccination rates for children, pregnant persons, adults, and seniors, and includes information on flu vaccine doses distributed and vaccinations administered in pharmacies and medical offices. The dashboard underscores the importance of flu vaccination for everyone 6 months and older, especially for those at higher risk of serious complications from influenza. It also provides information on co-administration of the COVID-19 vaccine and flu vaccine.
The Washington State Department of Health emphasizes the importance of flu vaccination for children. The information provided explains how the flu vaccine works and its effectiveness in preventing illness in children. Vaccination remains a vital step in safeguarding our young ones from the flu virus and its potential health implications.
Medriva discusses the impact of influenza on children and the essential role of flu vaccination. So far this season, influenza has claimed the lives of 65 children, with 83% of these fatalities occurring in children who were not fully vaccinated. The website provides up-to-date information on the current flu scenario, including the first influenza death of the season in Stanislaus County and increasing flu cases and deaths in Arkansas. It also offers preventive measures such as vaccination, mask-wearing, and hand hygiene.
In conclusion, the importance of flu vaccination for children cannot be overstated. As we navigate through the flu season, let us not underestimate the power of prevention. By vaccinating our children, we can help protect them from serious illnesses and ensure their well-being.
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New York prosecutors say a Brooklyn woman has been sentenced in connection with a sprawling COVID-19 fraud scheme
February 8, 2024, 9:02 PM ET
2 min read
NEW YORK -- A Brooklyn woman who pleaded guilty to fraud in connection with various pandemic-era relief schemes was sentenced Thursday to three years of probation and $650,000 in penalties.
Prosecutors said Chanette Lewis, 32, carried out some of the schemes by leveraging her job at a call center, part of a New York program meant to provide health care workers with isolation rooms in hotels. They said she provided free hotel rooms to people she knew werent eligible health care workers or COVID-19 patients, including herself.
During the pandemic, this defendant exploited a COVID-19 safe-lodging program for her personal profit; today she faces the consequences of her criminal conduct. I thank New York City Emergency Management for reporting this matter," New York Department of Investigation Commissioner Jocelyn Strauber said in a statement.
Its the latest example of how people are believed to have stolen an estimated $280 billion in government aid during the pandemic across the U.S., including New York. The sentencing Thursday was part of a larger case involving $400,000 of fraud in the hotel program.
Lewis admitted to defrauding the emergency programs, the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York said in a statement, and she separately forged legal documents purporting to come from judges, prosecutors and doctors to get 30 people into public housing or into larger public housing apartments.
Using stolen personal information from real health care workers, she and three co-defendants were accused of securing the hotel rooms and then advertising them on Facebook to rent out, according to the Department of Investigation Statement. Co-defendants in the case have admitted to getting unemployment benefits in multiple states, along with fraudulent small business loans.
The Associated Press left phone and email messages with a lawyer involved in a plea deal in the case. It wasn't immediately clear if that was Lewis' current attorney; requests to prosecutors and investigators for updated contact info were not immediately answered.
Lewis was sentenced to three years of probation and ordered to forfeit $290,000 and pay another $360,000 in penalties. Her co-defendants received lesser sentences, or have yet to be sentenced.
TRENTON, N.J. (AP) A federal appeals court shot down claims Monday that New Jersey residents refusal to wear face masks at school board meetings during the COVID-19 outbreak constituted protected speech under the First Amendment.
The 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals issued a ruling in two related cases stemming from lawsuits against officials in Freehold and Cranford, New Jersey.
The suits revolved around claims that the plaintiffs were retaliated against by school boards because they refused to wear masks during public meetings. In one of the suits, the court sent the case back to a lower court for consideration. In the other, it said the plaintiff failed to show she was retaliated against.
Still, the court found that refusing to wear a mask during a public health emergency didnt amount to free speech protected by the Constitution.
A question shadowing suits such as these is whether there is a First Amendment right to refuse to wear a protective mask as required by valid health and safety orders put in place during a recognized public health emergency. Like all courts to address this issue, we conclude there is not, the court said.
The court added: Skeptics are free to and did voice their opposition through multiple means, but disobeying a masking requirement is not one of them. One could not, for example, refuse to pay taxes to express the belief that taxes are theft. Nor could one refuse to wear a motorcycle helmet as a symbolic protest against a state law requiring them.
Ronald Berutti, an attorney for the appellants, said they intend to petition the U.S. Supreme Court to hear the case.
The lawsuits were filed by George Falcone and Gwyneth Murray-Nolan.
Falcone attended a Freehold Township school board meeting in early 2022 when masks were still required. He refused, according to the courts ruling, and was issued a summons on a trespassing charge. He also alleged a later school board meeting was canceled in retaliation for his not wearing a mask. A lower court found he didnt have standing to bring the suit, and he appealed.
Murray-Nolan, who had testified before lawmakers on her skepticism toward the efficacy of masking, attended an early 2022 Cranford school board meeting without a mask despite a requirement for them. Less than a month later at the boards next meeting, she was arrested on a defiant trespass charge after attending without a mask. A lower court found officers had probable cause to arrest her because she failed to wear a mask as required under the law at the time. She appealed.
Eric Harrison, an attorney for the officials named in the suit, lauded the ruling on Tuesday. In an emailed statement he said that refusing to wear a mask in violation of a public health mandate is not the sort of civil disobedience that the drafters of the First Amendment had in mind as protected speech.
New Jerseys statewide order for public masking in schools ended in March 2022, shortly after the incidents described in the suits.
LONDON (AP) The announcement Monday that King Charles III has been diagnosed with cancer has come as a shock to many in Britain, largely because the 75-year-old monarch has generally enjoyed good health through the years.
Palace officials did not specify what kind of cancer the king has, or how serious his condition is. They only said that it was discovered during the kings recent hospital treatment for an enlarged prostate, but isnt prostate cancer.
Charles who came to the throne after his mother Queen Elizabeth II died in September 2022 has started a schedule of regular treatments and will postpone public-facing duties, officials said.
Here is a look at Charles health history, from contracting COVID-19 to a series of injuries sustained from playing polo and hunting over the decades:
Charles was discharged from a private London hospital a week ago after undergoing treatment on an enlarged prostate.
Officials said the condition was benign, though the king canceled engagements and was urged to rest before the procedure.
An enlarged prostate is common in men over age 50 and affects thousands in the U.K. The condition affects how one urinates and isnt usually a serious health threat. Its not cancer and doesnt lead to an increased risk of developing prostate cancer.
Palace officials said the king publicized details about his condition in an effort to encourage other men to have their prostates checked in line with public health advice.
Charles had COVID-19 twice, but officials said that he only suffered mild symptoms both times.
He isolated at home in Scotland in March 2020, during the early days of the pandemic in the U.K. and before vaccines were available. He remained in good health, though he lost his sense of taste and smell for a time. Charles later spoke of the strange, frustrating and often distressing experience of being isolated from friends and family during lockdown.
Charles contracted the coronavirus a second time in February 2022. He had been triple-vaccinated at the time.
Charles was a keen polo player and suffered an array of injuries over years of sports and exercise.
In 1980 he was thrown and kicked by his pony during a polo match at Windsor and needed six stitches on his cheek.
In the 1990s he underwent several operations after he broke his right arm in a fall during a polo match and injured his left knee during another game.
In 2001 he was knocked unconscious and taken to the hospital in an ambulance when his horse threw him during a polo match he was playing with his sons Prince William and Prince Harry.
Charles also had various injuries from hunting accidents. He broke a rib when he fell from his horse in 1998, and in 2001 he fractured a small bone in his shoulder after another tumble.
The king retired from playing polo after more than 40 years in 2005.
There has long been speculation about Charles swollen sausage fingers, with some suggesting they may be due to fluid build-up, arthritis or other conditions.
Whether the puffy digits are due to a health condition remains unexplained, but Charles has on more than one occasion jokingly referenced them himself.
In a BBC documentary on Charles coronation, the king was seen reassuring his son Prince William when he struggled to fasten one of the ceremonial robes. He jokingly told William not to worry, because you havent got sausage fingers like mine.
Charles has had other minor medical treatments over the years.
In 2008 he had a non-cancerous growth removed from the bridge of his nose in a minor, routine procedure. He had a hernia operation at a private hospital in 2003, and joked hernia today, gone tomorrow to waiting reporters when he was discharged the next day.
Charles, who has a degenerative disc at the base of his spine, has also spoken about his back pain. He is known to travel on royal tours with a cushion, and a velvet cushion is usually placed on his chair during state banquets at Buckingham Palace.
In his memoir Spare, Prince Harry wrote about Charles exercises at home to keep his constant neck and back pain in check.
A new study from researchers at Boston University School of Public Health and the University of Pennsylvania shows that a substantial proportion of excess mortality numbers counted as deaths from natural causes during the COVID-19 pandemic were actually attributable to the novel coronavirus.
The study appears in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1,174,626 Americans have died due to COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic nearly 4 years ago. But excess mortalitydeaths that would not be expected compared to other yearshas also risen, suggesting COVID-19 has a role in those deaths, as well.
While other assessments of excess US mortality rates during the pandemic have looked at interruptions or delays in medical care and lockdowns, this study associates the excess deaths temporally with local increases in COVID-19 activity.
The study was based on natural-cause deaths and reported COVID-19 deaths for 3,127 US counties from March 2020 to August 2022. The researchers focused on excess deaths attributed only to natural causes, not excess deaths attributed to intentional or unintentional injuries or to accidents.
"We observed peaks in non-COVID-19 excess deaths in the same or prior month as COVID-19 deaths, a pattern consistent with these being unrecognized COVID-19 deaths that were missed due to low community awareness and a lack of COVID-19 testing, said corresponding author Andrew Stokes, PhD, in a Boston University press release.
We observed peaks in non-COVID-19 excess deaths in the same or prior month as COVID-19 deaths.
If delays and disruption in care were the primary cause of the excess mortality, then those deaths would have followed peaks in COVID activity, the authors explained.
Overall, 15.8 excess deaths were reported due to nonCOVID-19 natural causes for every 100 reported COVID-19 deaths across the study period. A total of 1,194,610 excess natural-cause deaths occurred nationally (90% posterior interval [PI], 1,046,000 to 1,340,204).
A total of 162,886 of these excess natural-cause deaths (90% PI, 14,276 to 308,480) were not reported as COVID-19.
The authors found significant regional patterns in these excess deaths: Nonmetropolitan counties reported the most natural-cause deaths for every 100 COVID deaths (36.0), as did counties in the West (Rocky Mountain states, 31.6 deaths; Pacific states, 25.5 deaths), and the South (East South Central states, 26.0 deaths; South Atlantic states, 25.0 deaths; West South Central states, 24.2 deaths).
"Contrary to prior literature which indicated that these gaps were mostly limited to the early months of the pandemic, we found nearly as many excess deaths reported to non-COVID-19 natural causes in the pandemics second year as the first year," the authors concluded.
