Influenza cases are on the rise in the United States, hitting levels not seen in 15 years, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The flu is spreading rapidly, and its impact is being felt across many states, including Iowa and Illinois. Here’s what you need to know about this flu season and how to protect yourself.
Record-High Flu Activity
One key way health officials measure flu activity is by tracking the percentage of doctor’s office visits due to flu-like symptoms. Last week, this number was higher than any winter flu season peak since the 2009-2010 swine flu pandemic, as reported by the CDC. It’s important to note that other viral infections can sometimes mimic flu symptoms. However, hospital data and CDC modelling suggest that COVID-19 cases are declining, and another common respiratory illness, RSV, has also been decreasing across the country.
Impact on Schools and Communities
The flu is causing significant disruptions. In Texas, the Godley Independent School District, which serves around 3,200 students near Fort Worth, had to close for three days last week. The closure came after 650 students and 60 staff members were out sick on a single day. Jeff Meador, a spokesperson for the district, confirmed that the majority of illnesses were flu-related, along with some cases of strep throat. He described it as the worst flu season he could recall.
Expert Advice for Managing Flu
Dr. Donald Dumford, an infectious disease specialist at the Cleveland Clinic, emphasized the importance of staying home if you have the flu. “If you have the flu, stay home from work or school and isolate yourself from your family as much as possible until you’ve been fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medications,” he said. Even after isolation, he recommends wearing a mask for a few more days to help prevent spreading the virus.
CDC Flu Season Estimates
So far this flu season, the CDC estimates there have been at least 24 million flu cases, leading to 310,000 hospitalizations and 13,000 deaths, including 57 children. Flu season typically peaks in February, but the high levels of activity seen now indicate that this season could be particularly severe.
States with the Highest Flu Activity
Last week, 43 states reported high or very high flu activity. The most intense outbreaks were observed in the South, Southwest, and western parts of the country.
Tips for Preventing Flu Spread
Doctors from the Cleveland Clinic recommend several simple steps to help prevent flu transmission:
- Proper handwashing.
- Avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Avoiding people who are sick.
- Wearing masks in situations when you can’t avoid people who are sick, such as caring for a sick child.
Disclaimer: This article has been meticulously fact-checked by our team to ensure accuracy and uphold transparency. We strive to deliver trustworthy and dependable content to our readers.
