CDC Reports a Rise in Flu Cases

WASHINGTON (Jan. 28, 2025)–The US is experiencing a wave of respiratory illness this winter, with a surge in flu cases and an uptick in hospitalizations. A new CDC report shows the rising influenza threat in 39 states, according to news reports.

According to the CDC emergency rooms are also seeing an increase in influenza cases with older adults, children and teens being especially hard hit.

The George Washington University has experts available to comment on all aspects of this story. To schedule an interview please contact Kathy Fackelmann, [email protected].

Michael Knight, an assistant professor of medicine at GW School of Medicine & Health Sciences, can discuss how Blacks are at greater risk of respiratory infections including flu, RSV and COVID-19. He can also talk about vaccine uptake and how families can stay healthy this winter season.

Maria Elena Ruiz is an associate professor of medicine and an infectious disease expert at the GW School of Medicine & Health Sciences. She can discuss RSV, flu, and Covid transmission and protection. She is fluent in Spanish, Portuguese or English.

Emily R. Smith, an assistant professor of global health at the GW Milken Institute School of Public Health, is an epidemiologist who has studied COVID-19 and pregnancy. She can discuss who is at risk for the flu and other respiratory illnesses and the importance of vaccines.

Adriana Glenn, assistant professor of nursing, has almost 30 years of experience as a family nurse practitioner. Her expertise includes addressing issues regarding culture and health. Glenn maintains her clinical practice as a nurse practitioner for the Virginia Department of Health, City of Alexandria. Her previous clinical experiences include providing health care in educational settings (K-12 public schools, higher education institutions) and working in a variety of community and public health environments including urgent care, occupational/employee health, community clinics and public health departments and clinics. Glenn can discuss the preventative measures people can take this winter to stay healthy as well as what to do when feeling sick.

Charles Baron is a primary care provider and assistant professor of medicine in the Division of General Internal Medicine at the GW Medical Faculty Associates and GW School of Medicine and Health Sciences.

Adam Singleton is a clinical assistant professor of Surgery in the Ear, Nose, & Throat Center within the GW Medical Faculty Associates.

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

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