Flu season is starting to ramp up as the U.S.settles into the colder weather months and indoor gatherings potentially fuel the spread of viruses.At least four states, including Colorado, Louisiana, New Jersey and New York, are experiencing high levels of influenza-like illness as of the week ending Dec.
6, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).During the same period, 8.1% of weekly tests were positive for influenza, about four times higher than the 1.6% of weekly tests that were positive one month earlier, CDC data shows.Flu concerns grow in US as UK sees more cases among kidsMore than 6,800 patients were admitted to hospitals with flu for the week ending Dec.6.
What's more, the first pediatric death associated with the flu was reported by CDC during the same week.Meanwhile, there is some concern about a newer flu strain that may have an ability to evade immunity better than other strains.Here's what you need to know about the current flu season.What does flu season look like so far? Although flu season has begun, it's not yet in "full form," according to Dr.Peter Chin-Hong, a professor of medicine and infectious disease specialist at the University of California, San Francisco.He told ABC News that flu cases typically peak in January or February, so the U.S.
still has some time before it might see the worst of flu season.Stock image of a person ill with the flu.Adobe StockHowever, he did express some concern that states such as New York may be experiencing its flu season earlier than expected. Data from the New York State Department of Health shows the state recorded more than 24,000 flu cases and nearly 1,400 hospitalizations for the week ending Dec.6. During the same week last year, the state recorded more than 12,000 cases and around 850 hospitalizations. "If we look at what's happening around the world, for example, the U.K., and what has happened in Japan and other parts of Asia, we'r...