The United States is currently experiencing its most severe flu season in over ten years, with widespread influenza activity reported across the nation. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), at least 24 million influenza cases have been documented this season. The flu season generally extends from October to May, with activity peaking in February. This year's flu season has seen unprecedented levels of hospitalizations and fatalities, prompting health officials to urge Americans to get vaccinated.
Influenza has taken a significant toll on public health this season, affecting millions. The CDC reports that 31.6% of respiratory illness tests conducted by clinical labs tested positive for influenza during the week ending February 1. The states experiencing the highest levels of flu activity include Massachusetts, Michigan, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas. Currently, 32 out of 50 states have been classified as having "very high" levels of respiratory illness, including influenza.
"Influenza (flu) is widespread across most of the US," – Dr. Robert Hopkins, Jr.
The CDC's data highlights the severity of this flu season, with at least 310,000 Americans hospitalized due to influenza and 13,000 deaths reported, including 57 children. This marks the highest level of influenza hospitalizations since 2010. Dr. Robert Hopkins, Jr., a leading health expert, emphasized the critical state of affairs:
"We are currently seeing the highest level of influenza hospitalizations since 2010." – Dr. Robert Hopkins, Jr.
Influenza viruses are categorized into two main types: A and B, which are further divided into subtypes and variants. This season, influenza A variants have been predominant and are known for causing more severe disease due to their rapid mutation rate. Out of over 4,300 flu specimens tested by public health laboratories in the week ending February 1, only 113 were identified as influenza B; the rest were influenza A.
"We are currently seeing widespread circulation of influenza A H1N1 and A H3N2 viruses primarily, with less circulation of influenza B viruses," – Dr. Robert Hopkins, Jr.
The CDC estimates that 7.8% of healthcare visits were due to respiratory illnesses such as influenza for the week ending February 1, reflecting the pressure on medical facilities nationwide. Despite the ongoing flu season's severity, health authorities continue to advocate for vaccination as a preventive measure.
"As long as flu viruses are circulating in your community, it is not too late to get vaccinated," – Dr. Robert Hopkins, Jr.
Annual influenza vaccines are recommended for everyone over six months old. The flu vaccine remains effective this season and can provide critical protection against the virus.
"I strongly encourage anyone who has not yet received an annual flu vaccine to do so immediately." – Dr. Robert Hopkins, Jr.
"There's still time for individuals and family to benefit from the flu vaccine this season," – Paul Prince
