MONDAY, Sept. 11, 2023 (HealthDay News) — In a finding that should reassure Americans ahead of another flu season, health authorities report that this year’s vaccines have already cut the risk of winter treatment in South America by half.
Even better, influenza virus strains detected in the United States so far have shown a similar pattern to those found in South America, although this could still change. The CDC is counting on nearly 3,000 patients who were hospitalized in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay and Uruguay between late March and early July. It was published Sept. 8 in the CDC publication, “Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report.” The focus of the analysis was on certain groups at risk, including children, those with pre-existing health conditions and older adults. The CDC is planning messaging about the flu vaccine, including new ads suggesting the vaccine will turn infections from “severe to mild.” Flu vaccines are now available. The CDC recommends their use for infants 6 months and older and for children and adults, and this is especially important for very young children, pregnant women, older adults, and people with pre-existing health conditions. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises that people get a flu shot in September or October, and COVID-19 is the predominant respiratory virus in the United States right now. Meanwhile, CNN reported that respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases are increasing in the South. More information
The World Health Organization has more on seasonal influenza.
Source: Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report, September 8, 2023; CNN.
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