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.
Crew of fatal US military crash included Alabama father recently deployed
The six U.S. service members who died in the crash of a U.S. military refueling aircraft included an Alabama father who had just been promoted and deployed. The U.S. government released the identities of the deceased service members Saturday.
Alabama poised to drastically overhaul utility regulation. Will it lower electric bills?
The Alabama Senate unanimously voted to expand the public service commission, and create a Secretary of Energy to address rising electricity prices. A bill in the House would go even further, requiring rate case hearings and limiting utility profits.
Musher from Alabama is going for back-to-back Iditarod wins
Riches and paid appearances haven’t followed Jessie Holmes since he won the world’s most famous sled dog race, the Iditarod, last year. He doesn't mind.
Bill would move Alabama to closed primaries
Right now, any Alabama voter can participate in a primary election. Lawmakers in Montgomery took up a bill this week that would change that system.
Auburn football player uses NIL funds to open a community hub in Birmingham
Jourdin Crawford, a freshman defensive lineman at Auburn, used earnings from a Name, Image, and Likeness deal to give back to his hometown.
Ivey commutes death sentence of inmate whose accomplice fired fatal shot
Charles “Sonny” Burton was sentenced to death for the killing of Doug Battle during a 1991 robbery. However, another man shot Battle when Burton had left the building.
