NEW YORK – The U.S. winter virus season is at a peak intensity not seen in 15 years, with one key metric indicating a significant rise in flu-related doctor visits. Last week, reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention highlighted that the percentage of patients presenting flu-like symptoms surpassed the highest levels of any winter flu season recorded since 2009-2010.
While other viral infections may be mistaken for the flu, data suggests that COVID-19 is on a downward trend based on hospital statistics and CDC predictions. Furthermore, it appears that respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is also receding nationally.
Many schools have temporarily shut their doors due to the flu. For instance, the Godley Independent School District in Texas, which serves about 3,200 students, closed for three days after a high number of absences, including 650 students and 60 staff members. Jeff Meador, a representative for the district, stated the majority of these cases were flu-related, and he noted that this is the most severe flu season he can recall.
This flu season has seen an alarming number of cases, with CDC estimates indicating at least 24 million flu illnesses, over 310,000 hospitalizations, and around 13,000 fatalities, including at least 57 children. Historically, the flu season typically reaches its peak around February.
Currently, 43 states have reported either high or very high levels of flu activity. The southern, southwestern, and western regions are particularly affected by this uptick in flu cases.
In Rochester, New York, Dr. Elizabeth Murray, a pediatric emergency medicine doctor at the University of Rochester Medical Center, commented that while current flu activity is noticeable, it does not appear to be worse than during peak seasons of the past. She noted a mix of flu cases, alongside a continued prevalence of RSV and a concerning number of infants contracting COVID-19.
The CDC has refrained from allowing interviews with flu experts, following directives from the previous administration that imposed a temporary halt on health agency communications. These requests for interviews, which were common before, are now routinely denied.
Health officials in the U.S. recommend that all individuals aged six months and older receive an annual flu vaccine. This winter, about 44% of adults have received their flu shots, mirroring the figures from last year. However, vaccination rates for children have dropped to approximately 45%, down from the usual 50% according to CDC records.
In terms of COVID-19 vaccinations, about 23% of U.S. adults were up to date with their shots as of late January, which is a slight increase from roughly 20% the previous year. Child vaccination rates for COVID-19 remain similar, around 12%.
The efficacy of this season’s flu vaccine has not yet been reported by the government. Testing has revealed that two strains of seasonal flu, Type A H1N1 and Type A H3N2, are responsible for the majority of current illnesses. Health authorities are also closely monitoring a less common strain, Type A H5N1, which has affected millions of birds but has only resulted in 67 human infections in the U.S.
To minimize the risk of contracting seasonal viruses, health professionals advise against touching the face, especially the eyes, nose, and mouth, as germs can easily spread this way. Regular handwashing with soap, disinfecting high-touch surfaces, and maintaining distance from those who are ill are also recommended as preventive measures.
