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The United States is experiencing its most intense flu season in at least 15 years, with widespread illness affecting millions across the country. The U.S. winter virus season is in full force, with flu-like symptoms driving an unprecedented surge in doctor’s office visits, surpassing any peak recorded since the 2009-2010 flu season, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
While other viral infections, including COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), have shown signs of decline, the flu continues to spread aggressively. In some states, the severity of the outbreak has led to school closures. The Godley Independent School District in Texas, for instance, temporarily shut down last week due to a significant number of flu cases, with 650 students and 60 staff members absent in a single day. Jeff Meador, a district spokesperson, described this flu season as the worst he has ever witnessed, with additional cases of strep throat adding to the burden.
The CDC estimates that this flu season has resulted in at least 24 million illnesses, 310,000 hospitalizations, and 13,000 deaths, including at least 57 children. The flu has been most intense in the South, Southwest, and western states, with 43 states reporting high or very high flu activity last week. Traditionally, flu season peaks around February, meaning the worst may not yet be over.
Dr. Elizabeth Murray, a pediatric emergency medicine specialist at the University of Rochester Medical Center, noted that while flu cases are surging, RSV and COVID-19 cases among infants remain prevalent. “All of the respiratory illnesses are around, with a vengeance,” she remarked.
Despite the severity of the outbreak, the CDC has been limited in its communication efforts, with requests for expert interviews being declined. Health officials continue to recommend that everyone aged six months and older receive an annual flu vaccination. However, vaccination rates remain stagnant, with only 44% of adults and 45% of children receiving flu shots this winter.
The dominant strains this season are Type A H1N1 and Type A H3N2. Meanwhile, health officials are closely monitoring a third strain, the bird flu Type A H5N1, which has primarily affected animals but has infected a small number of humans in the U.S.
Doctors advise taking preventive measures such as frequent handwashing, avoiding touching the face, disinfecting commonly touched surfaces, and staying away from sick individuals to reduce the risk of infection.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information available as of February 2025. It is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Readers are encouraged to consult healthcare professionals for guidance on flu prevention and treatment.
