A Surging Flu Season | February 13, 2025

Summary

In today's edition of CNN 10, Coy Wire discusses the flu season, which has reached its most intense level in 15 years, with millions of cases and thousands of hospitalizations. The flu is especially hitting the South, Southwest, and Western states hard. Additionally, the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas faces risks as both sides accuse each other of violations. The ongoing bird flu crisis continues to skyrocket egg prices, leaving consumers frustrated. The show also highlights two significant Black History Month figures: Judge Jane Bolan and news anchor Max Robinson, who broke barriers and made lasting impacts in their fields.

Takeaways

• 😀 Flu season in the US is the most intense in 15 years, with over 24 million cases reported.
• 😀 The CDC reports 310,000 hospitalizations and 13,000 deaths due to the flu so far this season.
• 😀 February is traditionally the peak of flu season, and the flu has affected schools, forcing some to close.
• 😀 Some doctors suggest good habits to avoid the flu: wash hands often, avoid touching your face, and avoid close contact with sick individuals.
• 😀 The fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is at risk of falling apart, with Israel issuing an ultimatum for hostages' return by Saturday.
• 😀 Hamas is accused by Israel of violating the ceasefire, while it accuses Israel of attacks on Palestinians in Gaza.
• 😀 Egg prices in the US are surging due to a bird flu outbreak, leading to empty shelves and high costs for consumers.
• 😀 The bird flu outbreak has led to the culling of millions of infected birds, severely impacting egg supply.
• 😀 Former President Donald Trump made a claim that egg price hikes helped him win the White House in 2016.
• 😀 Black History Month is recognized in February, with Gerald Ford being the first president to federally designate it in 1976.
• 😀 Celebrating Black History Month, the script highlights two trailblazers: Jane Bolan, the first black woman judge, and Max Robinson, the first black prime-time news anchor on ABC.

Q & A

What is the significance of February 13th mentioned in the script?

February 13th is referred to as 'Happy Friday Eve' and 'Valentine's Day Eve.' The speaker encourages people to prepare for Valentine's Day by writing cards, picking flowers, or offering a hug to loved ones.

How has the flu season been in the U.S. this year?

The U.S. flu season has been the most intense in 15 years, with a significant number of doctor's office visits and hospitalizations due to flu-like symptoms. Last week's CDC data shows that the flu activity surpassed previous peaks, even exceeding the 2009-2010 swine flu outbreak.

What are the current flu statistics in the U.S.?

There have been at least 24 million flu cases, 310,000 hospitalizations, and 13,000 deaths. The flu activity is particularly intense in the South, Southwest, and Western states.

What steps do doctors recommend to avoid catching the flu?

Doctors recommend avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, washing hands often for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, and avoiding close contact with sick individuals.

What is happening with the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas?

The fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is at risk of breaking down. Israel has issued an ultimatum demanding the release of hostages by Saturday, or it will resume military actions. Hamas accuses Israel of violating the ceasefire by carrying out attacks against Palestinians.

What is the current status of the bird flu outbreak in the U.S.?

The bird flu outbreak has led to a significant shortage of eggs, with wholesale prices reaching $8 per dozen, higher than 2022 prices. The outbreak has resulted in millions of infected birds being culled, further affecting the supply.

How are people reacting to the rising egg prices?

Many consumers are visibly frustrated with the high prices, and some are rationing their egg purchases. The rising prices are largely due to the bird flu outbreak, which has impacted egg production.

Which U.S. president first federally designated February as Black History Month?

President Gerald Ford was the first to officially recognize February as Black History Month in 1976.

Who was Jane Bolan, and what did she achieve?

Jane Bolan was the first Black woman to graduate from Yale Law School and later became the first Black woman to join the New York City Bar Association and to serve as a judge. She served for 40 years, making significant strides in ending segregated child care and race-based probation assignments.

What were Max Robinson's contributions to media and Black journalism?

Max Robinson was the first Black person to anchor a nightly network news show on ABC's World News Tonight. He was a vocal critic of racism in media and a founding member of the National Association of Black Journalists, advocating for better representation of African-Americans in the media.