US flu cases up 23 percent from 2020 | TheHill - The Hill

has seen 23 percent more flu cases this year compared to last year’s influenza season, though flu activity is still below normal pre-pandemic years, according to data collected by the Walgreens Flu Index.

Southern areas are showing the most widespread flu activity so far this season, according to Walgreens, which is in line with trends seen over the past two flu seasons.

“It’s early in the flu season, and flu activity remains low compared to a normal flu season, but the Centers for Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend getting a flu shot by the end of October and before flu spreads in local communities,” Walgreens wrote in a statement.

The company said it was launching the index to “help communities track flu activity in their area and serve as a reminder to get an annual flu shot.”.

As of April, data from the CDC showed that fewer than 2,000 Americans had tested positive for the flu this year, according to clinical laboratory results and public health labs.