Influenza A positive tests see a spike in December 2024 compared to November 2024

by Michael Robinson |Uvalde Hesperian

Image by Gerd Altmann from Pixabay

01-16-25

   The Uvalde Memorial Hospital released a detailed breakdown of the numbers for November and December 2024. on those tested for the flu in November and December 2024. 

 The data (below) is categorized by the type of flu tested and the corresponding results (positive or negative).

   The majority of those being tested,, most tested negative during the final two months of 2024.  However, December did see a significant rise in positive cases of Influenza A. 

 November 2024 – (Total Tests: 689)

• 500.0805 Influenza A (Rapid)
  • Positive: 28
  • Negative: 643
• 500.0810 Influenza B (Rapid)
  • Positive: 15
  • Negative: 656
    • Total Tests: 671
• 300.6055 Influenza A GX 4PLEX
  • Positive: 3
  • Negative: 15
• 300.6060 Influenza B GX 4PLEX
  • Positive: 1
  • Negative: 17
    • Total Tests: 18

December 2024 (Total Tests: 928)

• 500.0805 Influenza A (Rapid)
  • Positive: 190
  • Negative: 713
• 500.0810 Influenza B (Rapid)
  • Positive: 20
  • Negative: 883
    • Total Tests: 903

• 300.6055 Influenza A GX 4PLEX
  • Positive: 3
  • Negative: 22
• 300.6060 Influenza B GX 4PLEX
  • Positive: 0
  • Negative: 25
    • Total Tests: 25

The post Most test negative for the Flu in November and December 2024 appeared first on Uvalde Hesperian.

The two tests given were for the Flu A and Flu B strains of the virus.

According to the test data, significant increases in positive cases for Flu A and Flu B were indicated in October and November 2022 with Flu A cases being the most prevalent type.

According to the CDC website, “Influenza (flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. Some people, such as people 65 years and older, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at higher risk of serious flu complications. There are two main types of influenza (flu) viruses: types A and B. The influenza A and B viruses that routinely spread in people (human influenza viruses) are responsible for seasonal flu epidemics each year.

The best way to reduce the risk of flu and its potentially serious complications is by getting vaccinated each year.”

Key Facts about the Flu from www.sanofiflushots.com

“The flu is a contagious illness caused by any of several types of influenza viruses. The virus infects the respiratory system—the nose, throat, and lungs.

There are 4 types of influenza virus: A, B, C, and D. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), types A and B are responsible for seasonal flu epidemics.

TYPE A is the most common form—and often the most harmful. Subtypes of type A have caused some of the deadliest flu pandemics in history
TYPE B is also highly contagious and can cause outbreaks of seasonal flu.”

The post UMH Flu tests show increases in positive flu tests in October and November appeared first on Uvalde Hesperian.