The U.S. is facing its worst flu season in 15 years. At least 24 million flu cases have been reported this season. Since October, hospitals have treated up to 650,000 flu patients. This is the highest hospitalization rate since 2017.
Flu season often peaks in January and February. Experts warn that cases could keep rising in the coming weeks.
What Data Indicates that Flu Cases Are Breaking Records?
A key flu activity measure is doctor visits for flu symptoms. Last week, this number was the highest since the 2009-2010 swine flu. Many areas report high or very high flu activity levels. Flu cases usually drop now, but that has not happened.
“In recent weeks, influenza has been the predominant upper respiratory infection we are seeing in the emergency department,” Dr. Brad Uren from the University of Michigan Department of Emergency Medicine told Passport Health.
Nearly 8% of doctor visits last week were for flu symptoms. Almost 50,000 flu patients were hospitalized during that time. Flu caused 2% of all U.S. deaths in that period. Ten of those deaths were children, bringing the total to 57.
“Emergency departments tend to see those patients that have underlying medical problems,” said Dr. Uren. “Primary care physicians or urgent care centers are appropriate to assess milder symptoms.”
The current flu hospitalization rate is 64 per 100,000 people. Seniors face the highest risk, with 197 hospitalizations per 100,000 people. Black and American Indian/Alaska Native populations have the highest flu rates.
Flu-related emergency visits rose among children under age four. Hospitalizations increased across all age groups. Emergency room visits for flu jumped 30% last week. Experts warn the season is far from over.
Why Are Flu Cases Breaking Records This Season?
Doctors are unsure why this flu season is so severe. Some believe pandemic lockdowns weakened immune system responses. Others blame low vaccination rates for the surge in cases.
Only 46% of children and adults have received a flu shot. Flu vaccines lower infection risk and help protect vulnerable people. Dr. Uren told The New York Times, “That’s why you do it, knowing that it could have prevented some other kid from getting sick and bringing it home to their grandparent.”
Dr. Rabia de Latour from NYU Langone Health told CBS News, “These cases are staggering, but they’re not unlike numbers we saw pre-pandemic.” She said lower immunity and reduced vaccination rates likely play a role in the surge.
Dr. de Latour also noted that coronavirus precautions may have temporarily reduced immunity. Now, fewer people are getting flu vaccines, which could be worsening the spread. Masking and other mitigation measures have also become less common.
What Precautions Can Mitigate the Surge in Flu Cases?
Flu season usually lasts until May, so vaccines remain useful. After vaccination, antibodies take about two weeks to develop. The flu shot reduces the risk of hospitalization and eases symptoms.
“It is not too late to get your flu vaccine,” Dr. Uren told Passport Health. “The flu vaccine may not prevent you [from] getting the flu, [but] it can make your symptoms much less severe.”
Flu symptoms appear one to four days after exposure. Some people spread the virus before showing symptoms.
“Wearing a mask helps decrease the spread of respiratory droplets that transmit the flu,” Dr. Uren said. “Handwashing is key. Washing your hands or at least using hand sanitizer can kill the flu virus before it enters your body. Avoid touching your face unless your hands have been freshly…cleaned to prevent transferring the virus from surfaces.”
Common symptoms include fever, chills, cough, headaches, and muscle aches. Most people remain contagious for about a week.
“The best thing to do to limit the spread of flu is to practice good hand hygiene and to avoid sick contacts,” Dr. de Latour told Passport Health. “If you are sick or if your children are sick, staying home is very important to avoid spreading the virus.”
Flu can resemble COVID-19, but at-home tests help distinguish the two. Coronavirus remains a threat, but this winter’s wave has been mild. Recent data suggests flu deaths may have slightly outpaced COVID-19 deaths.
“If you or family members are sick, you should stay home to prevent spread to others,” said Dr. Uren. “People who have suppressed immune systems may consider avoiding crowded spaces until the activity decreases.”
The Trump administration paused all external health agency communications on January 21. Some have been reinstated, but experts say the pause affected flu-tracking efforts. Doctors and public health officials are calling for a return to regular health orders.
Conclusion
“The flu activity will spike at different times in different regions in the country,” said Dr. Uren. “In my experience and opinion, it is likely that we will see similar or slightly increased infection rates in the coming days to weeks before we begin to see a decline in cases.”
Flu season is still spreading, but vaccines and precautions can help. Experts urge people to get vaccinated and take preventive measures. Public health officials also call for stronger flu-tracking efforts to improve response.
Have an upcoming trip? Passport Health offers a wide variety of options to help keep you safe from disease, including vaccines. Call or book online to schedule your appointment today.
Logan Hamilton is a health and wellness freelance writer for hire. He’s passionate about crafting crystal-clear, captivating, and credible content that elevates brands and establishes trust. When not writing, Logan can be found hiking, sticking his nose in bizarre books, or playing drums in a local rock band. Find him at loganjameshamilton.com.
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