Flu cases are spiking in Miss.

Influenza cases are spiking in Mississippi, a trend that is consistent throughout the South. There are ways to prevent getting it.

The Center for Disease Control indicates that influenza activity in Mississippi was “very high” as of Dec. 23, the most recent data available. The map, which categorizes the influenza activity by color, shows Mississippi as purple, the highest level.

Six states including Louisiana, Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, South Carolina and New Mexico share Mississippi’s purple, “very high” status.

This status follows a trend of increasing activity since the start of fall. In early Nov., the activity rose to the “high” category, indicated in red on the digital map, and has remained in the red or purple ever since.

The map tracks patient visits for respiratory illnesses that share symptoms of influenza, such as cough or high fever, but are not necessarily confirmed cases of influenza. COVID-19 data is kept separate. Richard Calderone, assistant dean of graduate medical education at William Carey University, said this spike is pretty typical for this time of year. Because of the colder weather, people move gatherings indoors, making the spread of respiratory illnesses more likely. This trend is compounded by holiday gatherings.

The flu is not the only respiratory illness spiking. COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus infections are also elevated.

“We are truly seeing a ‘tripledemic’ of respiratory illnesses right now,” Calderone said. “One of my colleagues in Hattiesburg recently had a family come in where one individual tested positive for flu, one positive for COVID-19 and one positive for RSV.”

The southern states are historically the most disease-burdened when it comes to influenza and related illnesses. Calderone said there is no known singular reason for this trend, but it may have to do with low vaccination rates in the South.

The data for Christmas Eve and beyond have yet to be published. Calderone said he expects the numbers to continue increasing, especially after the “holiday lag” in which many testing sites and health centers were closed.

While this seasonal spike is considered normal, Mississippians can still take precautions. Calderone suggested reading up on how to prevent respiratory illnesses on the CDC website.

Calderone suggested the following preventative measures:

● Avoid close contact with those who are sick

● Stay home if you are sick

● Remain home for at least 24 hours after a fever is gone

● Wear masks, especially if you are coughing and sneezing

● See a doctor for treatment if you experience flu-like symptoms

● Wash your hands frequently

● It’s not too late to get your flu vaccine. The CDC recommends anyone over the age of six months (with rare exceptions) should get a flu vaccine seasonally.