The Flu Is Surging Across the U.S.

Newswise — Flu is surging across the U.S. at a faster-than-usual pace, with hospitalizations nearly doubling in a single week and young children among those hit hardest — and doctors warn the season is nowhere near peaking.

New CDC data show flu activity at “high” or “very high” levels in 32 states, up from just 17 the week before. Since October, at least 7.5 million people have been sickened, more than 19,000 have been hospitalized, and roughly 3,100 have died, including a growing number of children.

George Washington University experts are available to discuss this year’s flu season. If you would like to schedule an interview, please contact Katelyn Deckelbaum, katelyn.deckelbaum@gwu.edu.

Elizabeth Choma is a pediatric nurse practitioner and clinical assistant professor at the GW School of Nursing.

Jennifer Walsh is a clinical assistant professor in the GW School of Nursing and primarily teaches pediatrics and health assessment. Emily Smith, is an associate professor of global health and an expert in infectious diseases and epidemiology, at the GW Milken Institute School of Public Health.

Asefeh Faraz Covelli is an associate professor in the Family Nurse Practitioner program at the GW School of Nursing.April Barbour is an internist with The GW Medical Faculty Associates and an associate professor of medicine at the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences.

Caroline Bockus is an assistant professor of medicine at the GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences.

Richard Ricciardi is associate dean for Clinical Practice and Community Engagement in the GW School of Nursing and the executive director for the Center for Health Policy and Media Engagement.

-GW-