A resurgence of influenza has led to significant disruptions across the United States, with school districts in Louisiana, Missouri, Tennessee, and Texas temporarily closing their doors. The closures aim to allow students, teachers, and staff to recuperate amid a sharp rise in respiratory illnesses. This second wave of flu activity has prompted schools to either shut down or switch to remote learning, as attendance plummets due to widespread illness.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), influenza activity reached its peak in late December 2023 after beginning to rise in early November. Although the flu season typically occurs in the fall and winter months, the current activity levels remain very high in at least 40 states. The CDC reports that at least 20 million people have already been affected this season, resulting in 250,000 hospitalizations and 11,000 deaths.
Influenza is known for its contagious nature, particularly during the first three days of infection.
"Spread mainly by tiny droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze, or talk,"
the CDC notes. These droplets can easily spread the virus to nearby individuals. Additionally, transmission can occur through contact with surfaces contaminated with the flu virus, followed by touching the face.
Infected individuals can harbor the virus beginning one day before symptoms manifest and continue to be contagious for up to five to seven days after becoming symptomatic. Common flu symptoms include fever or chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue, and sometimes vomiting or diarrhea.
The CDC emphasizes the importance of vaccination as a preventative measure. It recommends that nearly everyone aged six months and older receive a flu vaccine each season, barring rare exceptions. The 2024-2025 flu vaccine is formulated to protect against several strains: Type A and B viruses, an A(HIN1) virus, an A(H3N2) virus, and a B/Victoria lineage virus.
Certain groups face higher risks of developing severe complications from influenza. These include individuals aged 65 and older, those with chronic medical conditions and/or obesity, pregnant women, and children under five years old. The CDC urges these groups to be particularly vigilant about vaccination and other preventive measures.
The current flu season has witnessed activity stabilize at high levels through February 2024 before declining to inter-seasonal levels in May 2024. However, the recent uptick serves as a reminder of the virus's unpredictable nature and its potential impact on communities nationwide.
