In brief
Flu activity has ramped up dramatically over the holiday period, with 45 states reporting high or very high flu levels. The circulating H3N2 virus variant poses additional risks, as it varies from the current vaccination strains. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes an alarming increase in hospitalizations and emergency visits attributed to flu symptoms.
NEW YORK (RTW) — During the holiday season, the U.S. has experienced a notable increase in flu infections, leading health officials to label this season as severe with predictions of further escalation. New data from the government suggests that current flu activity levels are surpassing those seen last winter, which was one of the most challenging seasons on record.
Alongside rising flu cases, COVID-19 infections have also increased, although at lower rates compared to the flu. According to recent reports, 45 states indicated high or very high influenza activity in the week preceding Christmas, a jump from 30 states just the week prior.
Experts attribute the surge in flu cases particularly to the H3N2 strain, historically known for causing severe outcomes in older adults. Alarmingly, over 90% of the H3N2 cases analyzed thus far have involved the subclade K variant, which differs from what is present in this year’s flu vaccine.
Typically, flu seasons reach their peak in January or February, raising concerns over the potential mismatch between vaccine strains and the circulating variants.
The previous flu season was severe, with hospitalization rates hitting the highest level observed since the H1N1 pandemic 15 years ago, resulting in 288 child flu deaths—the worst recorded in a standard flu season.
This current season has already reported nine pediatric flu deaths, with the rate of emergency visits for flu-like symptoms in children surpassing the peak rates observed last year. The CDC estimates that there have been at least 11 million illnesses, 120,000 hospitalizations, and 5,000 deaths attributed to influenza this season.
The CDC strongly advises that everyone aged six months and older receive the annual flu vaccine if they have not done so already.
