CDC using new tool to track flu as season picks up ahead of schedule

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Erica Schwartz says a new tool is helping identify spikes in flu cases as flu season picks up months ahead of schedule and a new mutation is causing a rise in cases.

The tool is designed to empower communities and individuals to know how best to protect themselves.

“It’s actually allowing states to detect signals two to three weeks sooner than traditional surveillance and for communities, it’s allowing them to detect signals, 1.5 weeks sooner than traditional surveillance,” said Schwartz.

The tool shows the U.S. map of where there is flu-like activity. The map, as of Thursday, showed risk in Georgia was minimal.

“And you can start making decisions for yourself, for your family. You can go to your health care provider and say ‘hey doc I’m seeing increased activity in flu like activity what do I need to do to protect myself and my family.’ And for communities when they’re seeing those increases they can focus on preparedness and response for their communities,” said Schwartz.

While vaccinations and flu shots have been minimized under U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the American Medical Association recommends a yearly flu shot to everyone 6 months or older. Dr. Schwartz said it’s best to arm yourself with knowledge from your doctor or the CDC.

“It’s all about informed decision-making, making sure people feel empowered to make those decisions for themselves and for their families,” said Schwartz.