The holiday season brought with it a significant flu outbreak across the United States, with 40 states reporting high or very high levels of illness last week, according to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Carrie Reed from the CDC confirmed that flu cases were widespread, stating, “A lot of flu out there.”
While flu-like symptoms such as fever, cough, and sore throat can be caused by various illnesses, including COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), the CDC’s most recent hospitalization data indicates that the flu is currently the dominant threat. RSV, which typically causes cold-like symptoms, can be particularly dangerous for infants and the elderly. However, Reed noted that there is no single strain of the flu dominating the season, as several different flu strains are contributing to the current surge in cases.
Pediatric hospitals across the U.S. have been dealing with a surge in cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) since November, but now, “influenza has joined the party,” according to Dr. Jason Newland, an infectious diseases specialist at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio.
One of the key indicators of flu activity is the percentage of doctor’s office visits due to flu-like symptoms. Last week, this level reached about the same peak as last winter’s respiratory virus season, which occurred at the same time of year. However, Carrie Reed from the CDC pointed out that people tend to avoid medical appointments during the holidays if possible, meaning the late December data might be slightly skewed due to the higher number of sudden illnesses during that time.
Flu activity last week was notably more intense in the southern, southwestern, and western U.S. regions, while states in the northern Great Plains and New England reported lower levels of flu-related suffering. This pattern highlights the regional variation in flu activity across the country.
So far this flu season, the CDC estimates that there have been at least 5.3 million flu illnesses, 63,000 hospitalizations, and 2,700 deaths, including at least 11 children. While it’s still uncertain whether this winter’s respiratory virus season will be worse than previous years, Dr. Jason Newland noted that, at least for children, the season appears relatively typical so far.
To protect yourself from seasonal illnesses, U.S. health officials recommend that everyone aged six months and older get an annual flu vaccination, emphasizing that it’s not too late to get vaccinated if you haven’t already. In addition, it’s important to avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, as germs can spread through these areas. Regular handwashing with soap and water, cleaning frequently touched surfaces, and avoiding close contact with sick individuals are also key preventive measures.
In addition to the flu, the CDC has been monitoring a rise in norovirus outbreaks. In early December, there were 91 reported outbreaks of this stomach bug, which can cause severe gastrointestinal illness.
Investigators also have been closely watching another kind of influenza virus, the Type A H5N1 version of bird flu. The CDC says 66 human US cases of that were reported last year, but none of them in the last week.
The cases are “fairly sporadic” and the overall risk to the public remains low, Reed said. Almost all have been traced to direct contact with infected animals, with no proof of spread between people.
