Flu Season in the US is the Most Intense it’s Been in at Least 15 Years

A Pandemic-Style Flu Season

The United States is experiencing the most intense flu season in at least 15 years, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). One indicator of flu activity is the percentage of doctor’s office visits driven by flu-like symptoms, which has reached a peak not seen since the 2009-2010 swine flu pandemic.

Highest Absolute Value of Flu-Like Illness

Last week, the CDC reported that 43 states had high or very high flu activity, with the flu most intense in the South, Southwest, and western states. The agency’s data also suggests that COVID-19 is on the decline, and another respiratory illness, RSV, has been fading nationally.

Intense Flu Season in Some States

The Godley Independent School District in Texas was forced to shut down for three days due to the flu, with 650 students and 60 staff members out. The district’s spokesman, Jeff Meador, described it as the worst flu season he could remember.

CDC Estimates

According to the CDC, there have been at least 24 million flu illnesses, 310,000 hospitalizations, and 13,000 deaths this season, including at least 57 children. The agency estimates that the flu vaccine is not working as well as it has in previous years.

Recommendations from Health Officials

To avoid seasonal viruses, doctors recommend 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. The CDC also recommends that everyone 6 months and older get an annual flu vaccination.

Related Articles

• 
  What’s it like to use Elon Musk’s brain chip? How does it work? ‘Like using the Force’
• 
  Race to sell chickens after New York City live poultry markets ordered shut due to avian flu
• 
  Patients using diabetes apps can miss critical alerts. Here’s how to make sure you’re getting them
• 
  A spine-zapping implant helped 3 people with a muscle-wasting disease walk better
• 
  ‘Within millimeters of accuracy’: Surgeons can practice on realistic bleeding models of their patients

Conclusions

This season’s flu season is the most intense it’s been in at least 15 years, with 24 million flu illnesses, 310,000 hospitalizations, and 13,000 deaths reported. The flu is most intense in the South, Southwest, and western states, and COVID-19 appears to be on the decline. The CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older get an annual flu vaccination and takes precautions to avoid spreading the flu.

FAQs

Q: How intense is this flu season?
A: According to the CDC, this flu season is the most intense it’s been in at least 15 years, with 24 million flu illnesses, 310,000 hospitalizations, and 13,000 deaths reported.

Q: Which states are most affected by the flu?
A: The flu is most intense in the South, Southwest, and western states.

Q: Is COVID-19 on the decline?
A: Yes, according to hospital data and CDC modeling projections, COVID-19 appears to be on the decline.

Q: What can I do to avoid spreading the flu?
A: To avoid spreading the flu, avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, wash your hands with soap and water, clean frequently touched surfaces, and avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Q: How effective is this season’s flu vaccine?
A: According to the CDC, the flu vaccine is not working as well as it has in previous years.