Rising Flu Cases Mark Unusual Season: Understanding the Unusual Surge
Flu season is upon us, and boy, is it packing a punch this year! New data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests that we're facing one of the toughest flu seasons in over a decade.
The CDC dropped its latest surveillance report on February 3, covering flu activity up to the week ending February 1. A staggering 7.7% of doctor's visit reasons that week were linked to flu-like illness - the highest count since the 2009-2010 flu season! Flu activity remains high across the nation, contributing to this season's unwelcome notoriety.
Flu seasons have long been a thorn in our side. During the 2010s, the flu hospitalized between 140,000 and 710,000 Americans, and took between 12,000 and 52,000 lives. Social distancing during the early COVID-19 pandemic saw a substantial drop in communicable diseases, including flu. However, as we've returned to our social lives, they've come back with a vengeance.
This season is unique in several ways. Medical visits for flu-like symptoms peaked twice - the first time between late December and early January, followed by a spike more recently. While various illnesses can cause flu-like symptoms, this winter has been the mildest for COVID-19, with other seasonal viruses like RSV on a downward trend. This suggests that influenza is driving the current doctor visits for respiratory issues.
The CDC estimates that since the start of this season, the flu has affected over 24 million Americans, hospitalized 310,000, and taken at least 13,000 lives, including 57 children. Only seven states currently have flu activity below 'high' or 'very high' levels, including New York, Texas, and California.
One positive note: We're dealing with familiar flu viruses this time around. Most cases have been caused by two types of influenza A - H1N1 and H3N2, with a smaller percentage stemming from the Victoria lineage of influenza B. An unusual case of flu tied to a pig-derived H1N2 strain was reported in Iowa, resulting in hospitalization. However, the individual has since recovered, and no further cases have been identified.
Vaccination remains your best defense against the flu. Despite the continued high flu spread, only 45% of Americans have been vaccinated this season. Make sure you're not among the unvaccinated; getting your shot still has time!
In the face of this challenging flu season, advanced technology in the field of science is being leveraged to develop more effective vaccines for future health crises. Despite the medical advancements, only 45% of Americans have been vaccinated against the flu this season, highlighting the importance of education and public awareness in promoting preventative healthcare measures.
