Category: Flu Vaccine

Major disruption to global poultry and egg markets has been brought into sharper focus by US Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsacks comments last week that the department is a year and a half away from finding a vaccine for avian flu.

The current strain of so-called bird flu, or avian influenza, has killed 82 million poultry and aquatic birds across 47 US states since January 2022.

Aside from drastically raising the prices of poultry and eggs for consumers and businesses, avian flu also poses a threat to humans.

In late January and early February, the first human cases of 2024 were identified in Cambodia, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. One was an adult and three were children, one of whom died.

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We are probably 18 months or so away from being able to identify a vaccine that would be effective for this particular [avian flu] that were dealing with now, Vilsack said at a congressional hearing in Washington D.C.

The USDAs Agricultural Research Service (ARS) began testing candidate vaccines in 2023, USDA press secretary Allan Rodriguez tells Just Food. The decision to proceed with vaccination is complex from vaccine development to production timelines, to dissemination to flocks, there are many factors that make implementing a vaccine strategy a challenge and it would take time to deliver an effective vaccine.

While Vilsacks approximate timeline shows progress in the US Department of Agricultures (USDA) efforts to contain avian flu, the 18-month delay in the vaccines rollout will wreak further havoc on US food supply chains, says Ramsey Baghdadi, consumer analyst at GlobalData, Just Foods parent company.

The inability to supply a vaccine immediately will cause challenges for US farmers, and chicken culls throughout the country will be forced to continue, Baghdadi tells Just Food.

Both Baghdadis comments and Vilsacks statements align with the World Organization for Animal Healths (WOAH) advice thatgovernments should consider bird flu vaccinations for poultry to prevent the spread of the virus from becoming a pandemic.

Vaccinating is not the end, it is just the beginning, disease expert David Swayne said at a WOAH forum addressing avian flu in June. Vaccination application needs to be managed along the supply chain including a surveillance programme which is able to detect active infection in vaccinated animals.

US egg prices peaked at a nationwide average of $4.82 per dozen in January 2023 more than double the $1.93 per dozen charged a year earlier before the US first avian flu case. The prices remained around $2.07 per dozen at the end of 2023.

Baghdadi also emphasises that the ethical requirements to vaccinate bird populations against avian flu correlate with and trump economic considerations.

Providing the appropriate medications for animal care is a vital aspect of an ethical supply chain, Baghdadi says. The most significant challenge in the wait for a bird flu vaccine is the threat of losing organic and free-range certifications from USDA, as chickens and pigs are forced into lockdown.

Government and consumer-driven demand for more stringent animal welfare has resulted in several US states adopting tighter regulation in meat and poultry supply chains.

In the same congressional hearing, Vilsack said that Californias Prop 12 law, which has tightened animal requirements for pork products sold in the state, is causing chaos in the marketplace.

Vilsack also highlighted differences between state and federal regulation as a disruptive factor.

When each state has the ability to define for itself and its consumers exactly what farming techniques or practices are appropriate, it does create the possibility of 50 different sets of rules and regulations, he said.

While state-by-state differences pose a logistical nightmare for nationwide distributors, the demand for ethically sourced poultry is evident.

55% of US consumers find organic products an essential or nice to have feature in their product decision-making, according to a survey by GlobalData in Q4 2023.

Loss of the [organic] claim could lead consumers to temporarily choose imported chicken products over local ones, says Baghdadi. In the long term, local US farmers should use traceable technology such as blockchain, which gives the end-consumer more information about the supply chain journey and where the product is sourced. Traceability will ultimately help consumers trust in times of bird flu, as consumers will be able to trace the products are not from a contaminated farm.

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Explainer: what the US avian flu vaccine delay means for the food industry - just-food.com

A bill that would eliminate flu and whooping cough vaccine requirements for adoptive families and foster families caring for infants and medically fragile kids is advancing in the Tennessee legislature.

The bill, by Sen. Bo Watson, R-Hixson, and Rep. Ron Gant, R-Piperton, would end current vaccine rules for families fostering or adopting babies under 18 months old and kids with significant medical needs, based on the families moral or religious objections.

Watson said the bill was intended to remove discriminatory requirements and expand Tennessees pool of foster and adoptive families.

Under the current law, it disqualifies families from fostering and/or adopting a child in state care based on their immunization status, which I find to be discriminatory and unfair Watson said during Tuesdays Senate Judiciary Committee hearing.

Why would we in any way hinder good families, safe families, who desire to foster and/or adopt these babies, he said.

The measure has raised concerns within the Department of Childrens Services, whose deputy general counsel warned lawmakers about health repercussions for that vulnerable population should the measure become law.

Were not only talking about (children) under-18 months, said Sammi Mayfair, DCS attorney. This would also apply to children with special medical needs so immunocompromised children, children who are vulnerable anyway so being exposed to those diseases could be severely detrimental to that population particularly, she said.

DCS currently has no shortage in families who wish to adopt or foster infants and are willing to comply with current vaccine requirements, Jim Layman, executive director of legislation and policy for DCS, told lawmakers.

Sen. London Lamar, D-Memphis, noted she had received a whooping cough vaccine and flu shot while pregnant to protect her son.

Is there any accountability put in place if the child is severely sick or dies from either the flu or whooping cough that they contracted from a family who didnt get vaccinated? she asked.

Watson responded that the scenario would be the same as if a child is physically abused in foster care. I think the same kind of standards exist there that would exist under these statutes, he said.

The bill has potential to jeopardize federal funding. This Department of Childrens Services receives $252.5 million in federal foster care funding. As condition of receiving federal dollars is for the state to submit a foster care and adoption plan for approval by the U.S. Health and Human Services department. Those plans must meet guidelines by the Administration for Children and Families that say all caregivers must be up-to-date on whooping cough and annual influenza vaccines. States that wish to veer from those guidelines must get federal permission.

This would also apply to children with special medical needs so immunocompromised children, children who are vulnerable anyway so being exposed to those diseases could be severely detrimental to that population particularly.

Sammi Mayfair, Department of Children's Services

Whooping cough, or pertussis, is a vaccine-preventable respiratory illness caused by bacteria and is extremely contagious, according to the Tennessee Department of Health. About a third of infants under a year old who get whooping cough will be hospitalized, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. While deaths are rare, they are most likely to occur in infants under 3 months old.

Flu, likewise, poses higher risks for infants and immunocompromised children. Children younger than 6 months old have the highest risk for being hospitalized from flu, according to the CDC.

Watson, the bills sponsor, noted that while foster and adoptive families may be available for healthy infants, there are challenges in finding families willing to take on babies exposed to drugs in utero or kids with disabilities.

Potential foster and adoptive parents opposed to vaccines are often well-suited to provide good homes to kids, according to Watson.

The demographic of this group of individuals that tend to, perhaps, view the world a little bit differently than the rest of usthey are highly educated and they are affluent. They have the resources to help care for these children and they are very well educated, Watson said.

The bill was passed by the Senate Judiciary Committee, with Lamar the only no vote. It will move onto a calendar committee before heading to a full vote on the Senate floor.

Link:

Bill to eliminate vax requirements for Tennessee foster care, adoptive families advances Tennessee Lookout - Tennessee Lookout

As the world grapples with a myriad of health challenges, one area of significant progress is the development of a vaccine for the current strain of bird flu. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is making strides in this area and a vaccine could be ready in approximately 18 months, according to Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. This development is a significant step towards addressing the threat posed by the bird flu.

The USDAs efforts are part of a wider global movement to control the spread of avian influenza. Manufacturers such as Boehringer Ingelheim are playing an active role in this endeavor, with a comprehensive approach that includes robust biosecurity measures, vaccination programs, and surveillance. Several countries, including China, Vietnam, Indonesia, Mexico, and some Latin American nations, have already implemented mass avian influenza (AI) vaccination campaigns. In Europe, France, Italy, and the Netherlands have initiated avian flu vaccine strategies and are conducting research trials.

Recent research has shed light on the efficacy of a novel DNA vaccine against H5 highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) viruses in chickens. The study demonstrated that a single vaccination at 2 weeks of age, boosted at 4 weeks, with or without an adjuvant, could provide full clinical protection and significantly reduce viral shedding. This vaccine also induced long-lasting humoral immunity and was effective in preventing viral transmission. These findings underscore the potential role of such third-generation vaccines in combating H5 HPAI viruses.

While advancements in vaccine development are promising, regulatory approvals pose a significant challenge. The USDA is currently awaiting applications from vaccine manufacturers for product registration. This includes at least one African swine fever (ASF) vaccine manufacturing firm from Vietnam and three avian flu jab makers from abroad. The Philippines continues to face challenges with transboundary animal diseases, which have led to price spikes in meat products, causing economic strain. The Department of Agriculture permits the use of inactivated, vectored, and combination vaccines for AI control, but only certain avian types are eligible for vaccination.

Despite these advances, bird flu remains a public health threat. Cambodia, for example, recently reported four human infections with HPAI A(H5N1) bird flu virus, the first human infections in the country in 2024. These cases have led to a concerted response from the U.S. CDC and Cambodian authorities to address the situation. Genetic sequencing identified the H5N1 viruses as H5 clade 2.3.2.1c, a strain that has circulated in Cambodia for several years. These occurrences highlight the ongoing need for effective vaccines and containment strategies.

In conclusion, while progress is being made in the development of a bird flu vaccine, challenges remain. The global community must continue to work together to implement comprehensive vaccination programs, robust biosecurity measures, and strong surveillance systems to effectively manage and eventually eradicate the threat of bird flu.

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Progress in Bird Flu Vaccine Development and Global Efforts - Medriva

OCT. 3, 2023: Its officially flu season in Fayette County: Lexington has its first two lab-confirmed flu cases of 2023-24.

Lexington had 3,472 lab-confirmed flu cases and 16 flu-related deaths in the 2022-23 flu season. About 80% of the cases were in people who were not vaccinated.

Free flu shots are available for anyone 6 months and older at the 2023 Free Flu Shot Clinic 3-6:30 p.m. Oct. 12 at Central Baptist Church, 110 Wilson Downing Road. Pre-registration is required, so sign up now at http://www.LFCHD.org/FluShots2023 (or http://www.lfchd.org/gripe2023espanol/ in Spanish)! The high-dose vaccine for ages 65 and older will also be available at this years event in limited quantities.

Be sure to check out the Facebook Event listing:2023 Free Flu Shot Clinic Facebook Event.

Free flu shots are available for uninsured/underinsured people by same-day appointment only at LFCHDs Public Health Clinic, 650 Newtown Pike. Please call 859-288-2483 Monday-Thursday to make an appointment; walk-ins will not be accepted in the Public Health Clinic.

The seasonal flu shot is recommended for all people ages 6 months and older and is especially important for people at the highest risk of serious complications from the flu: infants and young children, pregnant women, anyone with underlying medical conditions and adults 50 and older.

In addition to helping prevent you from getting sick with flu, a flu shot can reduce the severity of your illness if you do get flu and reduce your risk of a flu-associated hospitalization.

Please remember that lab-confirmed cases only reflect a small percentage of flu cases actually in Lexington, so the actual case count is likely much higher. Many providers use rapid testing, which is not required to be reported to state/local health departments. We are aware of people in our community testing positive for the flu virus in their providers offices through rapid testing, and the flu will continue to spread throughout the winter.

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2023-24 flu season begins: 1st confirmed cases reported - Lexington-Fayette County Health Department

The Indian Health Services (IHS) Influenza-like Illness Awareness System (IIAS) captures flu vaccination coverage among American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) patients who received care in an IHS and in some Tribal or Urban Indian (I/T/U) healthcare facilities.

The health care personnel flu vaccine coverage is captured through the IHS National Immunization Reporting System (NIRS) and includes employees who work in IHS and in some tribal and urban healthcare facilities.

There may be gaps in both the IIAS and NIRS systems since not all I/T/U healthcare facilities report.

Data are availablevia Indian Health Service.

See more here:

Weekly Flu Vaccination Dashboard | FluVaxView | Seasonal Influenza (Flu) | CDC - CDC

Researchers update the composition of influenza vaccines every six monthsto match the strains of the virus that are circulating in the wild, so that the shots may provide protective immunity against the flu. But despite their best efforts, researchers rarely perfectly match the strains loaded in the vaccine with the strains circulating by the time the vaccines reach the market.

The reason for this is the long gestation period usually at least six months between identifying the circulating strain and the development, manufacturing, and distribution of the vaccines. By the time the updated flu vaccine is available, the circulating strain may have drifted from the one contained in the vaccine, thanks to the high mutational rates of influenza viruses.

The match between strains included in the vaccine and strains in circulation is the most important factor controlling the vaccine effectiveness (VE) of flu vaccines. The VE increases by more than 25%when there is a match with the circulating strains but can be as low as 10% in seasons when there is no match.

Another issue with flu vaccines is the durability of protection. According to a recent study, the VE declines by 7% for H3N2 to 11% for H1N1 viruses per month, and could vanish as soon as90 days after vaccination.

There are some striking similarities between the influenza and COVID-19 vaccines. The VE of COVID-19 vaccines varies according to the diseases progression as well as the circulating strains. With the advent of the highly mutated Omicron variant of SARS-CoV-2, the VE of COVID-19 vaccines has nose-dived.

According to one large study, COVID-19 vaccines had a VE of 52.8% against the Delta variant but only 16.4% against the Omicron. Another large review of the findings of 78 studies on the VE of four COVID-19 vaccines before the advent of Omicron concluded that VE against symptomatic disease waned by 20-30% by the sixth month of the primary series.

Thus, researchers worldwide rushed to revise COVID-19 vaccines that contained the ancestral strain to match the circulating strain of SARS-CoV-2 and keep it clinically relevant.

In early 2023, a highly mutated sub-lineage of the Omicron variant, XBB.1.5, emerged. It was antigenically as distant from the ancestral strain of SARS-CoV-2 as the latter was from the SARS-CoV-1 virus. There were three COVID-19 vaccines available as booster doses at this time: the monovalent ancestral (OG) shot, a bivalent OG+BA.1 shot, and a bivalent OG+BA.5 booster. However, as stated above, none of the vaccines (including mRNA vaccines) were found to be efficacious against infections of this hypermutated variant.

Subsequently, the vaccine was updated in mid-2023 to include the antigens of the XBB.1.5 strain. But by the time the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) approvedand recommended the updated monovalent vaccine as a booster, another new lineage of Omicron,JN.1, had emerged with more than 30 mutations in the spike protein and a high immune-evasion potential. By January 2024, JN.1 had completely replaced XBB.1.5 in the population.

The CDC estimated the updated booster was around 50% efficacious against symptomatic JN.1 infections but some experts doubted this figure.

The matching problem raises a pertinent question: Is it prudent to attempt frequent updates?

One interesting study from Australia, uploaded as a preprint paper on February 9, analysed this question in detail. Researchers retrospectively analysed 18 studies that investigated the ability of the OG, the OG+BA.1, and the OG+BA.5 boosters to neutralise the variant that started circulating immediately after their deployment. They found that updated vaccines consistently improved neutralising antibody titres by 40% or more compared to non-updated vaccine formulations.

Specifically, the researchers found that relative to the OG antigens efficacy against XBB.1.5, the BA.1 update did a better job and the BA.5 update did even better. Based on these benefits in the neutralisation titres, they predicted that updating an existing vaccine should, on average, induce a 1.52-times higher titre against a future variant compared to boosting with an older formulation. The researchers also stated they expect a 11-25% increase in VE against symptomatic disease and 23-33% against severe disease caused by the future variant.

In sum, the study supports the case for revising COVID-19 vaccines formulations as often as possible.

However, there are some confounding factors, including past exposure to infections, inter-study variations of such exposures, in vitro and in vivo differences, and publication biases. The researchers also clarified the benefits of the update would depend on the distance between the antigens in the updated vaccine and the future variant that eventually circulates. Indeed, there is no guarantee that a profoundly drifted variant with a very high transmissibility and more virulence wont emerge in future, and which would negate the advantage of updating existing vaccines.

Further, the researchers only explored one arm of the immune system: the humoral immunity conferred by antibodies. The other arm, cellular immunity conferred by T-cells, wasnt considered. T-cells are like airbags: they deploy on their own and become safer to use with every accident (or exposure) that engineers study. Antibodies are like brakes. Our brain deploys them. They are terrific when new but suffer wear over time, and need to be updated.

In India, the advent of Omicron (mainly BA.2) in January 2022 and its resultant mild disease rendered a much lower uptake of COVID-19 vaccines. For many Indians, the pandemic is long past, notwithstanding a few surges in 2023. Currently, there is no Indian vaccine with antigens matching the currently dominant JN.1 strain or its predecessor, XBB.1.5. Corbevax, the vaccine made by Biological E, is currently developing an XBB-based vaccine.

Whether Indians should be boosted with an updated COVID-19 vaccine depends on the objective. If it is to prevent severe disease, hospitalisation, and death, only three exposures through natural infection or vaccination will suffice to confer protection irrespective of the antigenic makeup of the circulating variant. (This protection is provided by our T-cells.) This is the case with most healthy, immunocompetent individuals.

For the vulnerable sections of society, like the elderly and those with comorbidities and immunodeficiencies, it is desirable to actively prevent an infection. These individuals need an updated booster. The vaccines based on OG or older strains may not offer meaningful protection owing to the mismatch and other factors.

All available influenza vaccines are being developed on conventional egg-based or cell-culture platforms, which is why updating them takes six months or more. Many COVID-19 vaccines use the mRNA platform whose main attraction is the ease and speed with which they can be modified. Unfortunately, updating mRNA vaccines has also required four to six months.

India also has a next-generation mRNA vaccine called Gemcovac, developed indigenously by Gennova Lab and based on the old Omicron variant. It can also be updated to use a contemporaneous variant, but that depends on the need and the will of the national recommending authority as much as the still-evolving SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Vipin M. Vashishtha is past national convener, IAP Committee on Immunisation, and director, Mangla Hospital & Research Center, Bijnor.

Read more:

Does frequently updating COVID-19 vaccines have any benefits? | Explained - The Hindu

Across the largest cities in the U.S., the uptake on flu vaccinations has been split. While an average of 50.7% of people aged 65 and over were inoculated, some cities ranged much higher or lower. When a given years flu vaccines can be matched to the spreading virus strains, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) claims 40-60% efficacy at reducing flu cases.

With an eye on flu vaccine preferences, SmartAsset analyzed data from Medicare to rank 100 cities based on the percentage of seniors who received the flu shot in 2023.

These Midwestern cities top the list for the highest rates of flu vaccinations. In Madison, WI, 69% of Medicare enrollees were vaccinated for the flu season. In Lincoln and Omaha, NE, that figure was 66% and 63%, respectively. In Minnesota, Minneapolis (62%) and St. Paul (62%) also made the top ranks.

Miami, FL has the lowest rate of flu shots. Only 34% of Miami seniors got the flu vaccine last year. El Paso, TX had the second-lowest rate at 36%, while 39% of seniors in Clark County, NV including Las Vegas, Henderson, North Las Vegas and Enterprise were inoculated.

The cities with the most seniors are split on flu shots. Seniors make up more than 22% of the population in Scottsdale, Port St. Lucie and Honolulu, and theres no distinct preference for or against the flu shot in these places. Respectively, 52%, 48% and 53% of seniors got the flu shot last year.

Madison, Wisconsin Madison leads the ranking with a 69% flu vaccination rate among seniors, who represent approximately 13.5% of the city's population. This adds up to 36,707 residents aged 65 and older.

Lincoln, Nebraska In Lincoln, 66% of seniors have received a flu shot in 2023. Seniors make up 15.3% of the population, which includes 44,656 residents aged 65+.

Omaha, Nebraska Omaha has a senior flu vaccination rate of 63%, with the 65+ demographic comprising 14.4% of its citizens. This adds up to 70,078 seniors.

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Durham, North Carolina Durham reports a 62% vaccination rate among seniors. The city's population includes 13.8% of residents aged 65 and over, which totals 40,228 seniors.

St. Paul, Minnesota Approximately 62% of St. Paul's senior population have been vaccinated against the flu in 2023. Seniors constitute 13.0% of the city's population, with a total of 39,448 residents aged 65+.

Minneapolis, Minnesota Minneapolis also shows a 62% flu vaccination rate in seniors. This age group represents 11.13% of the city's populace with 47,298 seniors.

Raleigh, North Carolina Raleigh has a 61% flu vaccination rate among its senior citizens. The 65+ age bracket makes up 12.3% of the population, which adds up to 58,522 seniors.

St. Louis, Missouri St. Louis has a 60% flu vaccination rate for seniors, who make up 15.8% of its population. There are 45,176 residents aged 65 and older.

Baltimore, Maryland Baltimore's senior flu vaccination rate stands at 59%, with 89,326 seniors accounting for 15.7% of the population.

Plano, TexasPlano has a 59% vaccination rate among its senior citizens. The 65+ age group makes up 14.30% of the city's population, with a total of 41,479 seniors.

Data is for 2023 and comes from County Health Rankings & Roadmaps. The percentage of seniors with the flu shot is represented by the percentage of fee-for-service (FFS) Medicare enrollees that had an annual flu vaccination. Medicare enrollees must be at least 65 years old. Data was examined for the largest 100 cities for which data was available. Cities are mapped to county-level data.

Photo credit: iStock.com/FatCamera

The post Flu Vaccines Are Most Popular in These U.S. Cities 2024 Study appeared first on SmartReads by SmartAsset.

Original post:

Flu Vaccines Are Most Popular in These U.S. Cities 2024 Study - Yahoo Finance

How to stay healthy with Flu cases on the rise

by Asher Bookspan, WSBT 22 Reporter

FILE - A flu vaccine is readied at the L.A. Care and Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plans' Community Resource Center in Lynwood, Calif., on Friday, Oct. 28, 2022. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill, File)

Even during what doctors call "a mild to moderate flu season", doctors are seeing an uptick in flu cases in our area.

Dr. Rex Cabaltica, the medical director at Berrien County Health Department, says while numbers have been lower this year for the flu overall, there was a jump in positive cases over the past week.

He says cases were trending downward until the end of January where positive flu cases jumped up from the 40 to 60 percent range they had been seeing,

"This past week, we saw a slight bump back up to 70, 71%, compared to 56, the prior week. So again, it's there's always a lag time. But this was kind of an unusual uptick, you know, 66, 65, that's 71. So we want to keep our eye on the ball, and just make sure that that does trend down in the coming weeks," Dr. Cabaltica said.

Dr. Cabaltica says that he was surprised to find numbers show that many cases are those who do not have risk factors such as young children, saying that even with the season expected to wind down in March there is still reason to get vaccinated.

"So if you want to keep your kid out of the hospital, again, consider getting vaccinated. So that's not something that we all think as kids, they're not gonna have any problems and they are lower risk compared to the 65 year olds, but that doesn't mean no risk," Dr. Cabaltica said.

Dr. Cabaltica says there are things you can do in combination with the vaccine to help make sure you do not get sick, including seeing a doctor right when developing flu symptoms right away and practicing good hygiene.

"Wash your hands frequently, high touch surfaces need to be cleaned regularly, if you're coughing, cover your mouth, or cough into your elbow, rather than you had a cough in your hand, please wash your hands afterwards," Dr. Cabaltica said.

Dr. Cabaltica is urging *even* those who seem to be at lower risk to get vaccinated to not only protect themselves but to protect those around them and if you start feeling flu like symptoms, to see a doctor as soon as possible.

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How to stay healthy with Flu cases on the rise - WSBT-TV

INDIANAPOLIS The Indiana Department of Health reported 10 new deaths caused by the flu this week, bringing the total number up to 89 for the season.

A child between the age of 5 to 11 is included in this weeks deaths. Health officials say flu activity in Indiana is currently high.

Flu season typically runs from October through May.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends everyone age six months and older to get a flu vaccine.

The flu is spread by respiratory droplets released when infected people cough or sneeze nearby or when people touch surfaces or objects contaminated with those infectious respiratory droplets.

People can also become infected by touching surfaces or objects contaminated with influenza viruses and then touching their eyes, mouth or nose.

Symptoms include:

While there is no cure for the flu, some medications can help ease symptoms, according to health officials. How can you tell if you have the flu, allergies or the traditional cold? If you are feeling the effects of allergies, you typically won't have a fever or much fatigue or body aches.

If you have a cold, you might have a mild fever and some body aches. You might feel weak and even have some ear congestion.

Colds generally last about a week.

See more here:

10 Hoosiers died from the flu this week marking 89 deaths total this season - WRTV Indianapolis

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Health officials say the number of Americans receiving flu shots and COVID-19 treatments are down (Credit: FOX News/News Edge)

If youre feeling under the weather lately youre not alone.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), seasonal influenza activity remains elevated nationally, and more than 20,000 people were admitted to the hospital for COVID-19 last week.

Despite data released Friday showing a continued drop in flu hospitalizations, other indicators were up including the number of states with high or very high levels of respiratory illnesses.

The agency said cases have ticked up 16.2% compared to last week, and in some regions of the United States, the flu virus is intensifying after weeks of an apparent national decline.

A sick woman lies in bed wearing a surgical mask. (Credit: Ute Grabowsky/Photothek via Getty Images)

"Nationally, we can say we've peaked, but on a regional level it varies," the CDCs Alicia Budd told the Associated Press. "A couple of regions havent peaked yet."

Academic officials also recently cited concern over the high number of school absences due to various illnesses.

But what is contributing to a higher number of hospitalizations and respiratory illnesses?

Tracking during flu season relies in part on reports of people with flu-like symptoms who go to doctors offices or hospitals. But, many people with the flu are not tested, so their infections arent lab-confirmed.

COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses can sometimes muddy the picture, as well.

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RSV is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms.

Alicia Budd, who leads the CDCs flu surveillance team, said several indicators are showing "continued increases" in flu.

There are different kinds of flu viruses, and the version thats been spreading the most so far this year usually leads to a lesser amount of hospitalizations and deaths in the elderly the group on whom flu tends to take the largest toll.

Health experts also said that a growing number of people have been abandoning pandemic-era safety measures skipping out on flu and COVID-19 vaccines this season and this could be contributing to the higher number of illnesses they are seeing.

"Pandemic precautions those things are dwindling. And hence we're being exposed to more respiratory viruses than we have last year," Libby Richards, an associate professor at Purdue University School of Nursing told FOX News.

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If you've been waiting to get an updated COVID-19 shot, your wait could soon be over. The FDA cleared the way Monday for two new shots, from Pfizer and Moderna, for children as young as six months. A CDC panel is meeting Tuesday to weigh in on the vaccines. (Credit: FOX 5 Atlanta)

The CDC has reported decreases in the number of Americans rolling up their sleeves for the coronavirus shot. Richards noted that roughly 10 million fewer children and adults received the flu shot this year.

RELATED: Flu cases surge across US, CDC reports

Despite this, flu vaccination rates still fare better than rates for the other two main respiratory viruses COVID-19 and RSV. About 14% of adults and 5% of children have gotten the currently recommended COVID-19 shot, and about 13.5% of adults 60 and older have gotten one of the RSV shots that became available earlier this year.

And with so many different respiratory viruses going around, Richards added that its likely that some people are becoming infected with different viruses back to back.

"Compared to this time point last year, we are seeing a higher rate of hospitalizations from the flu and RSV," she continued.

She said the best way to protect yourself from things like the flu and COVID-19 is to get vaccinated. Doctors and other health experts urge everyone 6 months and older to get an annual flu vaccine.

Health experts said that there is still time to get a flu shot if you havent gotten one yet, citing how a second surge is always possible and cases can last until May.

FOX News, the Associated Press contributed to this story.

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The flu, COVID-19, RSV: Why everyone is getting sick - LiveNOW from FOX