Additional Coverage:
Flu cases surge to 15-year high. Outpatient visits for flu-like illnesses have reached their highest point since the 2009-10 swine flu pandemic.
Recent data reveals nearly 8% of outpatient visits are flu-related. This marks a significant increase from 3.2% during the same period last year.
Flu test positivity rates have also soared. Over 31% of tests returned positive, exceeding last season’s peak of 18.2%.
Experts are concerned about the unpredictable nature of this flu season. The sharp rise in cases, especially among children, is putting a strain on healthcare systems.
The death rate from flu now rivals that of COVID-19, a grim milestone. This season’s flu toll includes an estimated 24 million illnesses, 310,000 hospitalizations, and 13,000 deaths.
Tragically, 57 pediatric flu deaths have been reported, with 10 in the last week alone.
Despite vaccine availability, vaccination rates remain low. Only 45% of adults and 45.7% of children have received the flu vaccine this season, leaving many vulnerable.
Respiratory illnesses are widespread, with activity categorized as “very high” in 12 states and “high” in 19. This represents an increase from the previous week.
While COVID-19 activity remains elevated in some areas, emergency visits and positive test rates are declining. RSV activity is also elevated but decreasing in most regions.