According to the Louisiana Department of Health in addition to COVID cases on the downward trend, the most recent reporting week also shows flu cases declining. State Epidemiologist, Teresa Sokol said however the flu season is still active.
“It’s really right at our regional baseline there. We do expect that flu activity, while difficult to predict, it’s going to continue at least for a few, several more weeks,” said Sokol.
Sokol said the majority of flu cases in the US and Louisiana have been detected as the H3N2 variety.
“An H3N2 predominant season has typically been associated with more severe seasons and that’s particularly among older adults and young children,” said Sokol.
So far, the CDC has reported five flu pediatric deaths in the US for the 2021-2022 flu season and Sokol said one of the five deaths involved a child in Louisiana. The state has been keeping records of pediatric flu deaths since 2015.
“94% of all of those pediatric flu deaths reported in Louisiana have occurred among children who have not been vaccinated against flu,’ said Sokol.
And even though early reports indicate that the current flu vaccine is not as effective with the H3N2 flu, Sokol said it is still your best protection.
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