Flu Season in the US: The Most Intense in 15 Years
The U.S. winter virus season is in full force, and by one measure, it’s the most intense in 15 years.
Record-High Flu Activity
One indicator of flu activity is the percentage of doctor’s office visits driven by flu-like symptoms. Last week, 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 Friday morning by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Other Respiratory Illnesses on the Decline
Of course, other viral infections can be mistaken for flu. But COVID-19 appears to be on the decline, according to hospital data and to CDC modeling projections. Available data also suggests another respiratory illness, RSV, has been fading nationally.
Flu-Related School Closures
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, last week closed for three days after 650 students and 60 staff were out Tuesday.
A Spokesman’s Perspective
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.
CDC Estimates
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.
Regional Flu Activity
Overall, 43 states reported high or very high flu activity last week. Flu was most intense in the South, Southwest, and western states.
A Doctor’s Perspective
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.
She said there’s a lot of flu, but there’s also still a lot of RSV and a surprising number of babies with COVID-19.
A Complex Situation
“All of the respiratory illnesses are around, with a vengeance,” Murray added.
CDC Response
The CDC declined to let an Associated Press reporter speak to an agency flu expert about recent trends. The Trump administration ordered a temporary “pause” on health agency communications and has continued to refuse interview requests that were routinely granted in the past.
A CDC Spokesperson’s Statement
Late Friday afternoon, a CDC spokesperson acknowledged that the new data shows “the highest absolute value” of flu-like illness when compared with other seasons, but added that the statistic is complicated: That value references a baseline estimate for doctor’s office visits, but the baseline is recalculated every year. In late January, the CDC was describing the season as “moderate” in severity.
Prevention and Vaccination
U.S. health officials recommend that everyone 6 months and older get an annual flu vaccination.
Vaccination Rates
About 44% of adults got flu shots this winter, the same as last winter. But coverage of children is way down, at about 45% this winter. It’s usually around 50%, according to CDC data.
About 23% of U.S. adults were up to date in their COVID-19 vaccinations as of late January, up from about 20% at the same point in time the year before. COVID-19 vaccination rates for kids were about the same, at around 12%.
What You Can Do
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.
Conclusion
The flu season in the US is at its most intense in 15 years, with record-high flu activity and a significant number of hospitalizations and deaths reported. It is essential to take precautions to avoid the spread of the flu and other respiratory illnesses.
FAQs
* What is the current state of the flu season in the US?
The current flu season is the most intense in 15 years, with record-high flu activity and a significant number of hospitalizations and deaths reported.
* What are the most common strains of the flu?
The most common strains of the flu are a Type A H1N1 and a Type A H3N2.
* How can I prevent the spread of the flu and other respiratory illnesses?
You can prevent the spread of the flu and other respiratory illnesses by avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, washing your hands with soap and water, cleaning frequently touched surfaces, and avoiding close contact with people who are sick.
