LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPLC) - Louisiana is leading the country in new influenza cases according to CDC data, as staff at Lake Charles Urgent Care report a surge in upper respiratory infections.

“Really seeing a spike in all your typical winter respiratory viruses, upper respiratory infections, sinus infections, COVID, and flu. Definitely an increase in flu over the last week to two weeks,” Dr. Jay Marque said.

New CDC data shows Louisiana ranks number one in week-by-week increases of suspected influenza cases. However, Marque said the surge is not cause for alarm.

“Every year, it kind of kicks off in certain parts of the country. I know sometimes it feels like we’re always the worst, but I don’t think it’s concerning. It’s concerning now because we are high, but what will happen is, you

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