The U.S. winter virus season has reached its highest intensity in 15 years, with flu-related doctor’s visits exceeding levels seen in any flu season since the 2009-2010 swine flu pandemic, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Flu Outbreaks Forcing School Closures
Schools across the country have been hit hard, with some forced to close temporarily due to widespread illness.
In Texas, the Godley Independent School District, which serves 3,200 students near Fort Worth, shut down for three days last week after 650 students and 60 staff members were out sick.
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“This is the worst flu season I can remember,” said Jeff Meador, a district spokesperson.
Flu Surpasses COVID-19 and RSV in Spread
While COVID-19 cases appear to be declining and RSV infections are fading, flu remains dominant across the country. The CDC reports:
- 24 million flu cases so far this season
- 310,000 flu-related hospitalizations
- 13,000 deaths, including at least 57 children
Currently, 43 states are experiencing high or very high flu activity, with the South, Southwest, and Western states seeing the most severe outbreaks.
“All of the respiratory illnesses are around, with a vengeance,” said Dr. Elizabeth Murray, a pediatric emergency medicine specialist at the University of Rochester Medical Center.
Flu Vaccine Uptake Lags, Especially in Children
Despite the severity of the season, flu vaccination rates remain stagnant:
- 44% of adults have received flu shots, the same as last year.
- Child flu vaccination rates have dropped to 45%, from the usual 50%.
- COVID-19 booster uptake is also low, with 23% of adults and 12% of children up to date.
U.S. health officials strongly recommend flu vaccination for everyone aged 6 months and older to prevent severe illness and hospitalizations.
What Flu Strains Are Circulating?
The dominant flu strains this season include:
- Type A H1N1
- Type A H3N2
Health officials are also closely monitoring the bird flu strain Type A H5N1, which has devastated poultry and livestock populations but has only infected 67 people in the U.S.
How to Stay Safe During Flu Season
Doctors recommend the following precautions to reduce your risk of infection:
✔ Wash hands frequently with soap and water.
✔ Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth to prevent virus transmission.
✔ Disinfect frequently touched surfaces.
✔ Avoid close contact with sick individuals.
Despite the current surge, flu activity typically peaks in February, meaning the U.S. may still have weeks of intense viral spread ahead.
