Flu Activity Widespread in Alabama
Rates of flu-like activity are on the rise throughout Alabama. They have been increasing for a few weeks now, and a number of schools have closed due to the virus. Recent state data shows “influenza-like illness” (ILI) is widespread. In Alabama, eight percent of people seeking medical care report symptoms. That rate is slightly higher in Jefferson County.
Monroe says they have seen a recent surge in the number of patients with flu at Children’s.
“Everyone seems to be getting the flu at the same time,” Dr. Kathy Monroe, medical director at Children’s of Alabama emergency department says. It is the same at UAB, according to officials there.
“We’re seeing an increase in activity now but it’s not out of the ordinary to see it this time of year,” says Stephanie Ayers-Millsapp, disease intervention program manager at the Jefferson County Department of Health. “Now I don’t know how much it will continue to increase.”
She encourages people to get the flu shot if they have not already, practice good hygiene and stay home when sick. As of now, the flu is not as severe as it was last season when Alabama declared a state of emergency in response to the outbreak.
According to the state Department of Public Health, this flu season hasn’t peaked yet. So far there have been at least 15 deaths related to influenza. The good news is that preliminary data from the CDC shows the current vaccine appears to be a good match for the viral strains going around this year.
What to know about the mass Gen Z protests in Nepal
At least 19 people have been killed in the protests and more than 200 others were admitted to the hospital due to injuries, according to Nepal's Civil Service Hospital.
Hollywood stars boycott Israeli film companies in response to Gaza crisis
Emma Stone, Ava DuVernay and Gael Garcia Bernal are among more than 2,000 who signed the petition.
What will happen to dance, with a major grant program changing?
Twenty dance projects from around the country won grants totaling $100,000 dollars each today. These grants are among the most coveted in the dance world, but this round of winners is the last of its kind due to a funding shortage.
Supreme Court will weigh in on Trump’s tariffs. Here’s what to know about the case
Two lower courts have said some of President Trump's tariffs are unlawful. Now the Supreme Court has agreed to examine the issue.
Iran and the IAEA are expected to resume cooperation under agreement backed by Egypt
Iran and the International Atomic Energy Agency signed an agreement in Cairo to pave the way for resuming cooperation, including on ways of relaunching inspections of Iran's nuclear facilities.
Birmingham youth choir returns to the stage after golden buzzer moment
The Birmingham Youth and Young Adult Choir returns to NBC's "America's Got Talent" Tuesday evening after having won one of the show's golden buzzers earlier this summer.
