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The current flu season is proving to be the worst in a decade, with an alarming number of illnesses, hospitalizations, and fatalities, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) latest weekly flu report.
So far, there have been at least 29 million flu-related illnesses and 370,000 hospitalizations—the highest numbers since the 2015–2016 flu season. Additionally, the CDC reports that the flu has caused 16,000 deaths this season.
Dr. Lauren Siewny, medical director of the Duke University Emergency Department in Durham, N.C., highlighted a troubling milestone in an interview with HealthDay TV: for the first time this year, flu deaths have surpassed COVID-19 deaths.
Contributing Factors to a Severe Flu Season
Dr. Siewny identified multiple reasons why this flu season has been particularly severe.
“Some of it may be lingering effects from the COVID pandemic—we’re just starting to see people out and about more, leading to increased spread of communicable diseases,” she explained.
Additionally, she noted that this year’s flu season has peaked later than usual, making it feel prolonged. “It’s really feeling like it’s dragging out the winter season. Everyone that I know feels like they’ve had some sort of viral illness in the last month.”
Are Cases Finally Declining?
Despite the severity of the season, Dr. Siewny believes flu cases have reached their peak and will soon begin to decline.
“We have hit the peak, at least in this area. It looks like the peak was around the first week of February,” she stated. “Last year’s peak was closer to the holiday season.”
However, the impact of this flu season varies by location. While central North Carolina has seen fewer hospitalizations than last year, emergency department visits remain high, Siewny said.
Prevention and Treatment Still Recommended
Even though flu cases may soon decline, Siewny urges those who have not received a flu vaccine to get one immediately.
“It is absolutely not too late. The flu vaccine is the best protection we have, particularly at preventing hospitalizations in high-risk groups such as the elderly, the immunocompromised, and very young children,” she emphasized.
For those who contract the flu, early treatment is key. Antiviral drugs can help shorten the duration of illness if taken within the first 48 hours of symptom onset.
“If you think you have the flu and you test positive, and you’re in a high-risk category, we really want to start that medication as soon as possible,” Siewny advised.
When to Seek Emergency Care
Dr. Siewny also stressed the importance of recognizing severe flu symptoms that warrant an ER visit.
“Shortness of breath is the number one symptom that should bring you to the emergency department,” she warned. “Other serious symptoms include confusion, severe dehydration, and chest pain.”
As the flu season continues, health experts urge the public to remain vigilant, practice good hygiene, and seek medical care when necessary.
For more information, visit the CDC’s website on influenza.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult a healthcare professional for any medical concerns related to the flu or other illnesses.
