Listening
Unlocking Word Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.
- indicator / ˈɪn dɪˌkeɪ tər / (n.) – a sign that shows the state or situation of something
Example:One indicator of climate change is the increase in global temperatures.
- respiratory / ˈrɛs pɪ rəˌtɔr i / (adj.) – related to breathing or the body parts that are used in breathing
Example:Respiratory illnesses, such as colds and flu, are more common in colder months.
- hospitalization / ˌhɒs pɪ tl əˈzeɪ ʃən / (n.) – the act of staying in a hospital for some time to receive treatment or medical care
Example:The hospital was very busy this flu season because of a higher number of hospitalizations.
- vaccination / ˌvæk səˈneɪ ʃən / (n.) – the act of giving a vaccine to a person or animal, usually by injection, to protect against disease
Example:Many countries require certain vaccinations before tourists are allowed to enter the country.
- spread / sprɛd / (v.) – to pass from person to person, affecting more and more places, people, or things
Example:The doctor explained how viruses can spread quickly in crowded places.
Article
Read the text below.
The U.S. winter virus season is in full force and, by one measure, is the most intense in 15 years.
One indicator of flu activity is the percentage of doctor’s office visits driven by flu-like symptoms. That number was clearly higher than the peak of any winter flu season since 2009-2010, when a swine flu pandemic hit the nation, according to data posted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Of course, other viral infections can be mistaken for flu. But COVID-19 appears to be on the decline, according to hospital data and CDC modeling projections. Available data also suggest another respiratory illness, RSV, has been fading nationally.
The flu has forced schools to shut down in some states. The Godley Independent School District, a 3,200-student system near Fort Worth, Texas, was closed for three days after 650 students and 60 staff were out.
Jeff Meador, a district spokesman, said the vast majority of illnesses there have been flu, plus some strep throat. He called it the worst flu season he could remember.
So far this season, the CDC estimates, there have been at least 24 million flu illnesses, 310,000 hospitalizations and 13,000 deaths—including at least 57 children. Traditionally, flu season peaks around February.
Overall, 43 states reported high or very high flu activity. Flu was most intense in the South, Southwest and Western states.
In Rochester, New York, the flu season has been intense but not necessarily worse than at the peak of other years, said Dr. Elizabeth Murray, a pediatric emergency medicine doctor at the University of Rochester Medical Center.
U.S. health officials recommend that everyone six months and older get an annual flu vaccination.
To avoid seasonal viruses, doctors say you should avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth because germs can spread that way. You should also wash your hands with soap and water, clean frequently touched surfaces and avoid close contact with people who are sick.
This article was provided by The Associated Press.
Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion A
- The U.S. winter virus season is in full force. In your country, does the winter season usually bring a lot of viruses that result in flu and other illnesses? What advice does the health department usually announce during this season? Do you strictly follow the health department’s advice? Why or why not? Discuss.
- U.S. health officials recommend that everyone six months and older get an annual flu vaccination. How do you feel about getting vaccinations annually? Does it make you feel stressed? Do you think it’s safe for children as young as six months old to get vaccinations? Why or why not? Discuss.
Discussion B
- Some schools in the United States had to close for a few days because many students and staff got sick. If this happened in your country, is it common for school operations to stop? If you were one of the school heads, would you decide to stop school operations? Why or why not? Discuss.
- Instead of stopping classes and operations, what other solutions could schools and workplaces try during flu season or any health emergency (ex. online classes, remote work)? How do you personally take care of your health to avoid getting sick and missing work or school? Discuss.
