Dec 8, 2023 - Health

Louisiana's flu season among the worst in U.S. right now

Carlie Kollath Wells

Image shows a color-coded map of the United States indicating flu activity. Louisiana and South Carolina have the most activity. — Louisiana and South Carolina have the most flu activity in the country as of Dec. 2. Image: CDC

Louisiana and South Carolina have the most flu activity in the country, the CDC said Friday.

The big picture: Flu cases in the state are surging for the fourth week in a row, CDC data shows, resulting in more hospitalizations and emergency room visits.

Louisiana's flu positivity rate is about twice the national average, according to the state Department of Health.

By the numbers: Acadiana and the river parishes have the most activity as of Nov. 25 numbers from LDH.

Metro New Orleans, including the North Shore, also has very high activity, the data shows.

Be smart: Get vaccinated and take precautions so you don't catch the flu for Christmas.

Stay home if you're sick, and wash your hands.

Zoom in: This year's flu vaccine includes the strains that are circulating right now, Fred Lopez, an infectious disease specialist at LSU Health New Orleans, tells Fox 8.

Zoom out: Louisiana also is seeing an increase in hospitalizations for RSV and COVID cases, according to LDH data.

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Louisiana's flu season among the worst in U.S. right now

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