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The United States is experiencing its most intense flu season in 15 years, with doctor visits for flu-like symptoms reaching unprecedented levels since the 2009-2010 swine flu outbreak. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 8% of healthcare visits last week were due to respiratory illnesses, and approximately 50,000 patients were hospitalized with the virus. The CDC estimates that there have been 24 million flu cases this season, resulting in 310,000 hospitalizations and 13,000 deaths, including 57 pediatric fatalities.
The flu has forced schools to close in at least 10 states, with the Godley Independent School District in Texas shutting down for three days due to widespread illness among students and staff. Forty-five states, including New York, are categorized as having "high" or "very high" flu activity, with the highest rates in the South, Southwest, and Western states
Despite the surge, other respiratory illnesses like COVID-19 and RSV are reportedly on the decline. Health officials continue to urge vaccination, with about 44% of adults and 45% of children receiving flu shots this winter. The CDC has not yet released data on the effectiveness of this season's flu vaccine.
The flu season traditionally peaks around February, and health experts recommend preventive measures such as frequent handwashing and avoiding close contact with sick individuals to reduce the spread of the virus.
