The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that flu cases in the United States have reached their highest levels since the 2009 swine flu pandemic. For the first time, the death rate from influenza has surpassed that of COVID-19.
Flu Cases Reach Record Levels
Flu activity remains elevated and continues to rise across the country, with most states experiencing “very high” or “high” flu levels. More than 48,000 people in the U.S. were hospitalized with influenza during the week ending February 1, marking the highest number of flu-related hospitalizations since the 2009 H1N1 pandemic.
Nearly 8% of healthcare visits that week were due to respiratory illnesses, a trend that continues to climb. Laboratory data indicates that 31% of flu tests collected in a single week returned positive results, significantly higher than the previous season’s peak of 18%.
The CDC estimates that this flu season has resulted in 24 million illnesses, 310,000 hospitalizations, and 13,000 deaths so far. Additionally, 2% of all U.S. deaths this season have been attributed to influenza—higher than the 1.5% linked to COVID-19.
Why Is This Flu Season So Severe?
While flu seasons vary in severity, experts say this year’s outbreak has been particularly aggressive. Influenza A strains, including H1N1 and H3N2, account for most of the cases. The H3N2 variant is associated with a higher mortality rate, which may explain the increased number of deaths.
In addition to stronger flu strains, some patients are contracting multiple respiratory infections simultaneously, including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), rhinovirus, and human metapneumovirus. These co-infections can overwhelm the immune system, leading to more severe illness.
Experts also note that this year’s flu strain appears to cause strong symptoms rapidly, delaying diagnosis and treatment in some cases.
Declining Flu Vaccination Rates
Flu vaccination rates remain concerning. The CDC reports that only about 45% of U.S. adults have received a flu shot this season—similar to last year’s figures. Among children ages 6 months to 17 years, vaccination rates have declined from 50% last year to 45% this season, a significant drop from nearly 60% in 2020.
Health officials emphasize that flu vaccinations reduce the risk of severe illness and hospitalization. The CDC recommends annual flu shots for everyone aged 6 months and older. Lower vaccination rates could contribute to increased flu outbreaks and higher mortality rates in future years.
Flu Prevention Tips
Flu season typically runs from October to May, with peak activity in January and February due to colder weather, indoor gatherings, and limited ventilation. Since the flu is highly contagious, individuals can spread the virus before symptoms appear and remain contagious for up to a week after falling ill.
Common Flu Symptoms:
- Sudden fatigue
- Body aches and chills
- Persistent dry cough
- Sore throat
- Fever of 100°F or higher
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea (more common in children)
Steps to Reduce Your Risk:
- Get a flu vaccine annually
- Avoid contact with sick individuals
- Stay home if you have flu symptoms
- Wear a mask in indoor public spaces
- Improve indoor ventilation when possible
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water
While flu vaccines do not guarantee immunity, they significantly reduce the risk of severe illness. If flu symptoms develop, antiviral medications can help shorten the duration and severity of the illness.
Self-Care Tips for Flu Recovery:
- Stay hydrated with water, herbal tea, or tea with honey
- Eat nutrient-rich foods like fruits and vegetables
- Get plenty of rest
- Use a humidifier or vaporizer to ease congestion
Takeaway
This flu season has been the most severe in 15 years, with hospitalization and death rates surpassing those of COVID-19 for the first time. Experts attribute the high flu activity to strong influenza strains, co-infections with other viruses, and lower vaccination rates.
To protect yourself and others, health officials recommend getting vaccinated, practicing good hygiene, and avoiding contact with those who are sick.
Our Mission
We are dedicated to help you maintain your healthy life. Our mission is to provide the highest quality and affordable health care to you and your family.Your health isn’t just some numbers and figures. A person’s well been lays upon a healthy body, good physical condition and more importantly, a sense of feeling well.
Locations:
3916 Prince St STE 251, Flushing, NY 11354
43-73 Union St Suite 1B, Flushing, NY 11355
Disclaimer: The content on this blog is provided for general informational purposes only and is not intended as, nor should it be considered a substitute for, professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The information provided is meant to be a helpful starting point for your own research and should not be solely relied upon to make decisions about your health or the health of others. The author of this blog makes no representation or warranty of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability, or completeness of any information presented on this site. Under no circumstances should the author be held liable for any errors, omissions, or inaccuracies in the content or for any actions taken in reliance thereon. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet, medication, exercise routine, or lifestyle, or when seeking advice regarding a specific medical condition or health concern. The use or reliance of any information contained on this site is solely at your own risk. This blog may contain links to external websites that are not affiliated with the author. The author is not responsible for and does not endorse the content of such external sites. Any references to products, services, or health care providers on this website are not an endorsement or recommendation by the author. By using this blog, you agree to indemnify and hold harmless the author, their agents, and affiliates from and against any and all claims, liabilities, damages, losses, or expenses, including legal fees and costs, arising out of or in any way connected with your access to or use of this blog.
