As influenza and other respiratory viruses ravage the United States, the disease has claimed the lives of a healthy father of four and a special education teacher from Tennessee.
Cody Capps of Robertson County, Tennessee, died unexpectedly from the flu, showing that the usually mild to moderate illness can have serious health consequences in some people and can sometimes even be fatal.
The 37-year-old died of complications from the virus on December 28 after falling ill during a Christmas visit to his family in Indiana. Mr. Capps tested positive for influenza A and was admitted to intensive care when his condition worsened.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to financially support his wife and four sons. The Capps family surpassed their $75,000 goal, raising $78,400.
A family friend wrote on the fundraising page: “Cody was a devoted husband, father, a longtime service leader at Long Hollow Church and instrumental in the success of many students in Robertson County.
“There is no doubt that Cody will be missed in every life he came in contact with. This website has been set up to help the family at this difficult time.”
Mr. Capps is part of the rising trend in cases, hospitalizations and deaths from respiratory viruses during this year’s cold season.
As flu and other respiratory viruses ravage the United States, the disease has claimed the lives of a healthy father of four and a special education teacher from Tennessee
Mr. Capps is part of the rising trend in cases, hospitalizations and deaths from respiratory viruses during this year’s cold season
DECEMBER 23: The map above shows the incidence of flu-like illnesses by state for the week ending December 23, just before holiday gatherings. It shows that more than seven states had very high disease rates
The above shows that flu hospitalizations this season increased by 48 percent to more than 14,000 admissions in the week ending December 23.
In a Facebook post, Danny Weeks, the superintendent of Robertson County Schools, where Mr. Capps, who worked as a behavior coordinator for 13 years, released a statement announcing his death.
The statement read: “It is with heavy hearts that we confirm the passing of Cody Capps, Behavior Coordinator. Cody’s unwavering commitment to promoting positive change and his genuine compassion for the lives of countless people across the country is immeasurable over his 13 years of dedicated work.”
Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows respiratory virus cases and hospitalizations are on the rise, with flu admissions up 48 percent in the week ending Dec. 23 compared to the previous seven-day period.
CDC warns of a new “triple epidemic” this winter
The agency issued a warning after detecting an increase in respiratory illnesses
The number of admissions increased by almost 90 percent compared to the same period in 2019, i.e. before the pandemic.
And the CDC estimates there have been 4,500 flu-related deaths so far this season, compared to 2,100 at this point in 2019.
This is evident from the latest flu data In the week ending December 23, 14,732 people were hospitalized with the virus, compared with 9,930 in the previous seven days.
The flu test positivity rate – the percentage that detects the virus – rose from 10.5 percent in the week ending December 16 to 13.1 percent in the week ending December 23.
In the US, about a dozen states are currently reporting “very high” respiratory activity levels, and seven states – Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, South Carolina and Mr. Capps’ home state of Tennessee – reports the highest levels as measured by the CDC.
Just two weeks ago, only two states — Louisiana and South Carolina — reported the most flu-like illnesses.
Covid hospitalizations also rose by 17 percent in a week, while cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which the CDC director said had “peaked” last month, also rose again.
The overwhelmingly cold winter season is putting pressure on hospitals, with doctors saying it’s the “worst” winter virus season they’ve ever seen.
And the numbers are expected to continue to rise as they begin to reflect the impact of holiday gatherings.
This increasing “triple threat” of Covid, flu and RSV has prompted the return of face masks in hospitals across the country.
In all, more than 30 hospital systems in 16 states recently rolled back restrictions.
Source link
Crystal Leahy is an author and health journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a background in health and wellness, Crystal has a passion for helping people live their best lives through healthy habits and lifestyles.
