Flu cases in the United States continue to surge, according to new findings from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The data reveals that this year has seen at least 5,000 fatalities linked to the illness, while visits to doctors for flu symptoms have surged to their highest levels in decades.
As of December 27, the CDC estimates that the total number of flu cases has soared to at least 11 million, accompanied by around 120,000 hospitalizations and confirmed deaths. Notably, nine of those deaths were pediatric, underscoring the serious impact of the outbreak on vulnerable populations.
The CDC reported that 8.2% of outpatient medical visits across the country were related to flu-like illnesses, marking the highest recorded figure since 1997. The agency has identified 48 jurisdictions experiencing “high” or “very high” flu activity, up from 32 jurisdictions the previous week. Only a minor four jurisdictions currently exhibit low or minimal flu levels, while Nevada’s situation is complicated by a lack of sufficient data.
A rapidly spreading subtype of influenza A called H3N2 is largely responsible for the surge in cases. Experts note that, between December 20 and December 27, out of 994 confirmed influenza viruses, 971 were identified as influenza A, with 91.2% of subtyped specimens reflecting the H3N2 strain. This variant is particularly challenging during flu seasons, especially for the elderly, as it tends to evade the immune system’s recognition.
Complicating the public health response, the uptake of the flu vaccine has diminished this season. The CDC estimates that around 130 million flu vaccine doses have been administered thus far. Additionally, recent changes to the recommended childhood vaccine schedule have stirred controversy. The CDC has suggested that children not categorized as high-risk should utilize “shared clinical decision-making” with their healthcare provider regarding flu vaccination. This adjustment has drawn criticism from the American Academy of Pediatrics, which labeled the alterations as “dangerous” and raised concerns about the potential for added confusion among families during an ongoing outbreak of vaccine-preventable diseases.
These developments highlight the rising severity of the flu season and the challenges public health authorities face as they aim to mitigate the impact of the virus.