WASHINGTON — When it comes to the flu, social media is full of misinformation.
Our Verify team wants to give you the facts around the flu – so you know exactly what’s going on this season.
For answers, our researchers went to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
QUESTION:
Is the flu widespread already in the United States?
ANSWER:
Yes. Every single state is dealing with a moderate to high levels of flu-like illnesses, except for four: Idaho, Nevada, Alaska, and Delaware.
The CDC estimates that we’ve already had 22 million flu cases this season.
SOURCE:
CDC Fluview Interactive- A Weekly Influenza Surveillance Report
QUESTION:
Are more people being hospitalized for the flu this season than ever before?
ANSWER:
No. The CDC estimates there have been 210,000 hospitalizations so far, putting the rate of hospitalizations at about 35.5 for every 100,000 people. More people were hospitalized for the flu during the 2014-2015 and 2017-2018 seasons.
SOURCE:
QUESTION:
Is the flu vaccine this year not working as well as some are claiming on social media?
ANSWER:
We'll have to wait and see. The CDC releases its data on vaccine effectiveness at the end of the season, so it’s just too early to say for sure.
SOURCES:
QUESTION:
Should you still get the flu shot, this late in the season?
ANSWER:
Yes, the CDC says. Not only will it make you less likely to get the flu, but if you get it, it will be less severe.
SOURCES: