As flu, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus spread across the United States, many officials are encouraging people to get vaccinated. | Ed Us/Unsplash
As flu, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus spread across the United States, many officials are encouraging people to get vaccinated. | Ed Us/Unsplash
Wisconsin state Sen. Chris Larson is taking a stand against the “triple-demic” threat now sweeping the country by encouraging people to get vaccinated.
“We are in the midst of one of the worst flu surges on record, and a big reason why is not enough of us are being vaccinated,” Larson stated in a tweet Dec. 8. “Just 25% of adults and 40% of children have received a flu shot, and 15% of adults eligible for an updated COVID booster have taken one.”
As COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus and flu cases surge across the country, hospitalizations from the flu are also increasing, according to a CNBC report in November. As of Nov. 14, 3 million people have contracted the flu which has led to 23,000 hospitalizations and 1,300 deaths, according to the CDC.
"Hospitalizations for flu continue to be the highest we've seen for this time of year in a decade," CDC Director, Dr. Rochelle Walensky, told ABC 7 News San Francisco. "If you do get sick, present yourself to your provider for early care. There are good antivirals to treat both flu and COVID-19."
The H3N2 strain of influenza, which is surging across the Southeast, is responsible for more severe illness in elderly individuals and children leading to twice the national hospitalization rate for both age groups, according to CNBC.
Alerts Sign-up