Flu Season in the US: The Most Intense in at Least 15 Years
A Record-Breaking Season
The US winter virus season is in full force, and by one measure, it’s the most intense in 15 years. According to data posted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the percentage of doctor’s office visits driven by flu-like symptoms is higher than the peak of any winter flu season since 2009-2010, when a swine flu pandemic hit the nation.
A Complex Scenario
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 suggests another respiratory illness, RSV, has been fading nationally.
Flu’s Impact on Schools and Communities
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, recently closed for three days after 650 students and 60 staff were out on a single day. Jeff Meador, a district spokesman, described it as the worst flu season he could remember.
Seasonal Trends and Statistics
So far this season, the CDC estimates that 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 last week. Flu activity was most intense in the South, Southwest, and western states.
Regional Variations
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 noted that there’s a lot of flu, but also still a lot of RSV and a surprising number of babies with COVID-19.
Prevention and Vaccination
U.S. health officials recommend that everyone 6 months and older get an annual flu vaccination. 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.
Conclusions
The 2024-2025 flu season is shaping up to be one of the most intense in at least 15 years. With widespread flu activity and other respiratory illnesses, it’s crucial to take precautions to avoid getting sick. Get vaccinated, wash your hands frequently, and avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Frequently Asked Questions
* What is causing the high number of flu cases this season?
+ Two strains of seasonal flu, a Type A H1N1 and a Type A H3N2, are causing most illnesses.
* How can I avoid getting sick?
+ Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, and wash your hands with soap and water. Clean frequently touched surfaces, and avoid close contact with people who are sick.
* What is the effectiveness of the flu vaccine this season?
+ The government has not yet reported its estimates of how well this season’s flu vaccine is working.
* What is the current state of COVID-19 and RSV?
+ COVID-19 appears to be on the decline, while RSV has been fading nationally.
