Avoyelles Parish among areas impacted by Louisiana’s flu surge

New data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows a sharp rise in influenza activity across the United States and Louisiana following the Christmas holiday period with public health officials also reporting an increase in COVID-19 activity.

According to the CDC the nation experienced a 33 percent increase in people testing positive for influenza between Dec. 20 and Dec. 27 along with an 8 percent rise in healthcare visits for flu-like symptoms. The data released after a brief delay due to the New Year holiday reflects the week of Christmas a time when travel and gatherings traditionally contribute to the spread of respiratory illness.

Louisiana is among the states currently classified by the CDC as experiencing “very high” flu activity a category that has expanded rapidly in recent weeks. In mid-December only a handful of states were listed at that level. By late December more than half of the country had moved into the highest flu activity tier including much of the South, Midwest, and Northeast.

The Louisiana Department of Health reports that influenza-like illness is well above seasonal baseline levels statewide. Hospitals and clinics across Central Louisiana have seen an increase in patients presenting with fever cough sore throat body aches and fatigue common symptoms of influenza.

While parish-level flu case counts are not released weekly healthcare providers serving Avoyelles Parish and the surrounding region say the uptick is being felt locally. Residents seeking care in Alexandria-area hospitals and urgent care clinics are contributing to the regional increase in respiratory illness visits.

At the same time COVID-19 activity is also rising though at a much lower level than influenza. The CDC reports an increase in COVID-related emergency room visits and wastewater surveillance indicators nationwide including in Louisiana. Health officials note that winter months typically bring an increase in COVID-19 transmission as people spend more time indoors.

Public health officials continue to urge residents to take preventive measures including:

• Staying home when sick
• Practicing good hand hygiene
• Seeking medical care if symptoms worsen or if individuals are considered high-risk due to age or underlying conditions

Vaccination remains a key recommendation. Health officials stress that flu and COVID-19 vaccines are still available and can reduce the severity of illness and the risk of hospitalization even when administered later in the season.

As flu season traditionally peaks between January and February, health authorities say continued vigilance will be important in Avoyelles Parish and across Louisiana in the weeks ahead.