It feels like everyone around you is sick this flu season. But is it really worse than usual? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this year’s flu season is more severe than in recent years.
Flu Activity is High Across the U.S.
As of last week, 27 states reported “very high” flu activity. This is the CDC’s most severe classification. Flu cases are widespread, and many people are affected. The flu positivity rate in lab tests is about 30%. Emergency room visits and hospitalizations are also increasing.
This uptick suggests that this winter’s flu season could be worse than the past few years. The last few seasons were mild due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Dr. Amesh Adalja, an infectious disease expert at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, says this year’s flu season is more like those before the pandemic.
“This season is more like the ones we saw in 2018-2019,” Dr. Adalja says.
What’s Behind the Severity?
It’s not that this year’s flu strains are stronger. The flu vaccine seems to be a good match. Experts believe the severity may be due to lower vaccine uptake.
Vaccine Uptake Decline
By mid-January, 146 million flu shots were given. This is the lowest number in years. In contrast, 174 million doses were given by the same time in the 2019-2020 season. Fewer people are getting vaccinated, which may be leading to more severe flu cases.
Dr. Donald Dumford, an infectious disease specialist at the Cleveland Clinic, explains that the flu vaccine reduces the severity of illness. It also makes people 40% less likely to be hospitalized. Dr. Dumford believes the low vaccination rate is partly to blame for the rise in serious flu cases.
Will This Season Set Records?
While the flu season seems harsh compared to the mild ones we’ve had recently, Dr. Adalja doesn’t expect this year to set records. He says this season is typical of a pre-pandemic year. People have just gotten used to milder flu seasons in recent years.
Even in a normal flu season, the virus can be deadly. The CDC has already estimated tens of thousands of flu-related deaths this year, which highlights the importance of staying vigilant.
Preventive Measures to Stay Healthy
In addition to getting the flu vaccine, simple health practices can help reduce the risk of flu. Dr. Dumford recommends eating healthy, getting enough rest, and avoiding people who are sick. If you’re sick, stay home to stop spreading the flu.
Mask-wearing and social distancing, which were common during the COVID-19 pandemic, can also help reduce flu transmission.
While this flu season feels worse than the mild ones we’ve seen, it’s still similar to what we would expect in a normal year. Lower vaccination rates are contributing to more severe cases, but basic health practices can still help control the spread.
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