Flu season doctor visits are at highest level in 15 years
Is it the flu or is it COVID?
A quicker, easier way to diagnose common respiratory illnesses this season is available. At-home tests that can tell you if you have the flu or COVID-19 in just one swoop are readily available as the holiday season approaches, cutting out the need for doctor or urgent care visits. Dr. Annette Esper, Professor at Medicine at Emory University School of Medicine, joined LiveNOW from FOX to discuss.
LOS ANGELES - The U.S. is experiencing its most intense flu season in 15 years, according to new data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The percentage of doctor’s office visits due to flu-like symptoms is at its highest level since the 2009-2010 season, signaling a widespread outbreak across much of the country.
How bad is flu season this year?
By the numbers:
The CDC estimates that at least 24 million flu illnesses have occurred so far this season, leading to 310,000 hospitalizations and 13,000 deaths, including 57 children.
Flu activity remains high or very high in 43 states, with the South, Southwest, and western regions reporting the most severe outbreaks.
In Texas, the Godley Independent School District near Fort Worth was forced to close for three days last week after 650 students and 60 staff members were out sick in a single day.
Jeff Meador, a spokesperson for the district, told the Associated Press that flu cases were overwhelming schools. "It’s the worst flu season I can remember," he said.
What about COVID-19 and RSV?
What they're saying:
While flu cases are rising, COVID-19 appears to be on the decline, based on hospital data and CDC projections. Another respiratory illness, RSV, has also been fading nationally, though cases are still being reported in some areas.
Dr. Elizabeth Murray, a pediatric emergency medicine doctor at the University of Rochester Medical Center, said that multiple viruses are circulating at once. "All of the respiratory illnesses are around, with a vengeance," she told the Associated Press.
A nurse fills a syringe with the Influenza Virus Vaccine, Fluzone. (Photo by Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images)
Why is flu season so severe this year?
Dig deeper:
Flu vaccination rates remain stagnant among adults and lower than usual for children. According to the CDC:
- 44% of U.S. adults have received a flu shot, the same rate as last winter.
- 45% of children have been vaccinated, down from the typical 50%.
The dominant flu strains this season are Type A H1N1 and Type A H3N2, which have been linked to severe flu seasons in the past. Health officials are also closely monitoring H5N1, a bird flu strain that has affected millions of animals but has infected only 67 people in the U.S.
How to stay protected
What you can do:
Health officials recommend taking basic precautions to reduce the risk of flu and other seasonal illnesses, including:
- Washing hands frequently with soap and water.
- Avoiding touching your face, especially the eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Cleaning frequently touched surfaces.
- Staying home if sick to prevent spreading the virus.
The Source: This article is based on reporting from the Associated Press, which cited data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.