The U.S. flu season has begun, with cases rapidly increasing across the country, according to health officials. The CDC has reported significant rises in various indicators such as lab tests and emergency room visits. CDC’s Alicia Budd confirmed the flu season’s onset, noting the steady climb in cases over recent weeks. Thirteen states, including Tennessee and Louisiana, have reported high or very high levels of flu-like illnesses. In Nashville, Tennessee, Dr. William Schaffner observed a sharp increase in flu cases, with some clinics reporting up to 25% of patients showing flu symptoms. Similarly, Dr. Catherine O’Neal in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, described this week as a turning point, with more people seeking flu tests and taking time off due to the illness.
In addition to the flu, other respiratory viruses such as COVID-19 and RSV are circulating. While COVID-19 hospitalizations have declined since summer, activity remains moderate nationally and high in the Midwest, according to CDC wastewater data. RSV hospitalizations, which rose before flu cases, are showing signs of leveling off but remain prevalent in the South. The flu season declaration was based on several indicators, including lab results and emergency department visits. No dominant flu strain has emerged yet, and it’s too early to determine the effectiveness of this season’s flu vaccine.
The CDC highlighted that last winter’s flu season, though moderate overall, was unusually long and dangerous for children, with 205 pediatric deaths. Many of these deaths were linked to low vaccination rates, with 80% of deceased children not fully vaccinated. Vaccination rates for flu this year are similar to last year’s for adults but have declined among children. COVID-19 vaccination rates are even lower, with only 21% of adults and 11% of children up to date. Public health experts continue to emphasize the importance of vaccinations as holiday gatherings, which facilitate virus spread, approach.
Despite the CDC’s strong advocacy for vaccinations, Louisiana’s health department has shifted its stance, advising individuals to consult with their doctors about flu and COVID-19 vaccinations rather than broadly recommending them. This policy shift has drawn criticism from public health experts and advocates, who warn that such guidance could lead to preventable deaths. Jennifer Herricks, founder of Louisiana Families for Vaccines, labeled the policy as irresponsibly dangerous, emphasizing the life-saving potential of vaccines.
Public health experts are urging everyone to get vaccinated against flu and COVID-19 to protect themselves and others during the holiday season. Dr. Schaffner noted that gatherings, while joyful, can also facilitate virus transmission. With vaccination rates remaining low and flu activity surging, medical professionals stress that it is not too late to get vaccinated. The ongoing flu season underscores the critical role of vaccinations in mitigating illness severity and preventing widespread outbreaks.
