As winter settles in, flu activity is surging across the United States, particularly in the West, Midwest, and Southeast regions, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting high levels of flu transmission. The CDC’s latest update highlights a rise in flu-related hospitalizations and deaths, signaling a challenging season ahead.
“We expect flu activity to remain elevated for several more weeks,” said Alicia Budd, head of the CDC’s domestic influenza surveillance team. “Although there was a slight dip in activity right after the holidays, we believe this is just a temporary anomaly, as many people delay doctor visits during the festive season.”
The CDC’s report for the week ending January 4th shows that flu cases have surged across various age groups, with the dominant strains being Flu A, particularly H3N2 and H1N1. Though older adults, particularly those aged 65 and older, are at the highest risk of hospitalization, the virus is affecting individuals of all ages.
Flu season typically peaks between December and February, and symptoms can include sore throat, cough, runny nose, headache, body aches, and sometimes fever. Many describe the flu as feeling as if they have “been hit by a truck.”
Experts such as Caitlin Rivers, an epidemiologist at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, suggest the flu may continue for another three months before subsiding. Moreover, the emergence of B strains later in the season could lead to further spikes in cases, underlining the importance of getting vaccinated.
Currently, just under 42% of children have received their flu shots, a slight decrease from last year’s 45%. Tragically, 16 children have already died from flu-related complications, and the CDC estimates that at least 4,700 people have died so far this season, with more than 110,000 hospitalizations.
For those who haven’t yet been vaccinated, the CDC urges individuals aged six months and older to get their flu shot as soon as possible. The annual vaccine is updated each year to target the latest flu strains and offers valuable protection, reducing the risk of illness by approximately 40% and hospitalizations by 60%.
Flu spreads mainly through respiratory droplets from sneezing, coughing, and even talking. It’s most contagious within the first three days of illness. To reduce the spread of the virus, avoiding close contact with sick individuals and regularly washing hands with soap and water is highly recommended. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers can also help, though washing is preferred.
For those who contract the flu, antiviral medications such as Tamiflu can help alleviate symptoms and shorten the duration of illness, especially if started within one to two days of symptom onset. These treatments are particularly beneficial for people at higher risk of severe complications, including those with pre-existing lung, heart, or diabetes conditions.
Read more:
- Natural Ways to Cure Cough and Cold in Infants: A How-To Guide
- Caring for Your Newborn: A Guide to Manage Coughs & Colds
- What to Give a 6-Month-Old for Cough: A Comprehensive Guide