Alabama is one of three states currently experiencing very high levels of flu activity, according to tracking by the Centers for Disease Control.
Alabama, Tennessee and South Carolina are listed as having the highest amount of ILI – influenza like illnesses – in the U.S. The southeast in general has been hardest hit with minimal activity reported in New England and the northwest parts of the country.
The latest CDC update tracks data through Oct. 29.
Data from the Alabama Department of Public Health reflects the explosion of cases. Every health district now reports “significant” flu activity with widespread outbreaks. This time last year, no significant outbreaks were reported and only three areas – Mobile, West Central and Northeast Alabama – reported lab-confirmed cases.
Flu season is typically in the fall and winter in the U.S., peaking around December. This year’s wave started early and the CDC now estimates there have been at least 1.6 million illnesses, 13,000 hospitalizations and 730 deaths, including two among children, from flu this season. Hospitalizations from the flu are at their highest level since 2010.
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Flu symptoms
Influenza is a highly contagious respiratory illnesses caused by a virus that infects the nose, throat and sometimes the lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness that can lead to death.
Symptoms often come on suddenly and can include:
- fever or feeling feverish/chills
- cough
- sore throat
- runny or stuffy nose
- muscle or body aches
- headaches
- fatigue (tiredness)
- some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.
The CDC recommends annual flu vaccines to help prevent spread. You can see more on that here.
