Flu Fever: Why The US is Seeing a Surge in Cases

The US is currently facing a significant flu outbreak. This season has seen between 29 and 51 million people infected and up to 820, 000 hospitalizations since October. Experts are pointing fingers at post-COVID vaccine fatigue and misinformation for this surge. The flu virus, specifically influenza A, is taking advantage of the situation. The CDC has classified this flu season as "high severity, " a label not used since 2017-2018. The CDC is urging everyone over six months old to get vaccinated immediately. Even late in the season, vaccination can help reduce community spread and protect against severe illness. The CDC's latest estimates are preliminary and will likely increase as the season continues. Deaths from influenza, mostly from influenza A, are outpacing COVID-19 deaths. In the week ending February 8, 2. 6 percent of all deaths were due to the flu, including 68 pediatric deaths. The CDC map shows high levels of flu activity across the country, with only Montana, Alaska, and Hawaii showing low activity. Vermont is whited out due to insufficient data. The reasons for the sudden spike in flu cases are unclear, but several factors are likely at play. This year's flu vaccine may not be as effective, and vaccination rates have been declining since the COVID-19 pandemic began. In the 2023-24 season, flu vaccination rates hit a 12-year low. As of February, most children and adults in the US have not received their annual flu vaccine.Flu vaccines have been around for decades and do not cause the flu. They work by helping the body develop antibodies against various influenza strains. While they may not prevent infection entirely, they can reduce illness severity and lower the risk of complications, hospitalization, and death. Severe side effects from the flu vaccine are extremely rare. The flu vaccine prevents tens of thousands of deaths each year in the US, not just in those who get vaccinated. Getting vaccinated can also protect vulnerable people around you, like babies, young children, older people, and those with chronic health conditions. A 2022 study found that flu vaccinations reduced a child's risk of severe, life-threatening influenza by 75 percent. If people are growing tired of vaccine messaging, health officials need to find new ways to communicate the benefits. Family physicians are uniquely qualified to counsel their patients and build trust. The most recent report on the 2024-2025 flu season can be found on the CDC website.