Key Takeaways
- The United States is experiencing a second peak in flu season, with cases increasing again, particularly among school-age children.
- The CDC has reported at least 20 million illnesses, 270,000 hospitalizations, and 11,000 deaths from flu so far this season.
- Children under 18 years old have had the highest peak weekly hospitalization rate since the 2010-2011 season.
- Experts recommend getting vaccinated, practicing regular handwashing, and avoiding close contact with people who are sick to prevent the spread of flu.
- People at higher risk of hospitalization include those ages 65 and older, people with underlying medical conditions, immunocompromised individuals, and pregnant women.
Introduction to the Flu Season
The United States is not out of the woods yet when it comes to the severe flu season, as more children are getting infected. According to the latest data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), cases across the country had appeared to decline before showing upticks in infections. This trend has led experts to warn of a second peak in flu season, with Caitlin Rivers, a Johns Hopkins University epidemiologist, stating that "we are heading up a second peak of flu season." The country saw its first peak right around the New Year, followed by a couple weeks of declines, before seeing increases again, particularly in school-age children.
The Current State of Flu Season
The CDC has reported that there have been at least 20 million illnesses, 270,000 hospitalizations, and 11,000 people have died from flu so far this season. Children under 18 years old have had the highest peak weekly hospitalization rate since the 2010-2011 season. The latest CDC data for the week ending January 24 showed that there were eight more children who died from flu, bringing the total number of childhood flu deaths this season to 52. Approximately 90% of deaths in children who were eligible for the vaccine and had known vaccine status did not receive their flu shot. This highlights the importance of vaccination in preventing flu-related illnesses and deaths.
The Dominant Influenza Strain
The United States’ dominant influenza A(H3N2) strain has mutations with a subclade K, making it highly transmissible and sparking a relatively severe flu season. While flu vaccines provided some protection, particularly against severe infections, the other influenza B strain has been smoldering and tends to be more prominent at the end of flu season. The latest CDC data showed slight increases in influenza B nationally, which could contribute to the second peak in flu season. Experts note that flu season can be notoriously hard to predict, and the Sun Belt tends to see a lag in flu cases, creating more infections later.
Prevention and Protection
As cases appear to be ticking back upward, experts emphasize the importance of vaccination, practicing regular handwashing with soap and water, and avoiding close contact with people who are sick. Dr. William Schaffner, professor of infectious diseases at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, said that vaccination is key, and Dr. George Rust, a professor at Florida State University College of Medicine, added that it’s not too late to get vaccinated, but it’s getting close. People can also practice regular handwashing, avoid touching their faces, and avoid going to school or work if they’re sick, with other symptoms such as fever, body aches, and fatigue. Well-fitted face masks, such as N95 or KN95 respirators, can reduce the risk of spread, especially in crowded settings.
Higher Risk Groups
People at higher risk of hospitalization include those ages 65 and older, people with underlying medical conditions, immunocompromised individuals, and pregnant women. These groups should take extra precautions to prevent the spread of flu, such as getting vaccinated, practicing regular handwashing, and avoiding close contact with people who are sick. Experts also recommend that people in these groups seek medical attention immediately if they experience symptoms of flu, such as fever, cough, and body aches. By taking these precautions, individuals can reduce their risk of contracting flu and prevent the spread of the illness to others.
Conclusion and Recommendations
In conclusion, the United States is experiencing a second peak in flu season, with cases increasing again, particularly among school-age children. Experts recommend getting vaccinated, practicing regular handwashing, and avoiding close contact with people who are sick to prevent the spread of flu. People at higher risk of hospitalization should take extra precautions, and individuals should seek medical attention immediately if they experience symptoms of flu. By following these recommendations, individuals can reduce their risk of contracting flu and prevent the spread of the illness to others. As Dr. Rust said, "If you’re sick, don’t be a hero," and avoid going to school or work if you’re sick, with other symptoms such as fever, body aches, and fatigue.
