Flu Season Hits Hard: What's Going On and Why You Should Care

Experts Warn of Tough Season Ahead

Recent data indicates a significant rise in flu cases across the United States, with experts cautioning that this flu season could be particularly challenging. Flu activity is already surpassing last winter's severe outbreak in many aspects. While COVID-19 cases are also on the rise, they remain less common than flu cases.

A More Problematic Flu Virus

The flu virus currently spreading, known as A H3N2, is notorious for causing serious illness, particularly among older adults. This season, the majority of flu cases are of this type, with over 90% being a new variant not covered by this year's flu shots. Although it's too early to assess the full impact, flu seasons typically peak in January or February.

Last Year's Severe Flu Season

Last year's flu season was already severe, with the highest hospitalization rates in 15 years and a record number of child deaths. This year, nine child deaths have been reported so far, and the number of children visiting emergency rooms with flu symptoms has already exceeded last season's peak.

Rising Doctor Visits for Flu-Like Illnesses

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that at least 11 million people have fallen ill, 120,000 have been hospitalized, and 5,000 have died from the flu this season. The CDC strongly recommends that everyone aged 6 months and older who hasn't received a flu shot yet should do so immediately.