As we dive deeper into the flu season, it appears we may be facing one of the toughest years in decades. Dr. Mark Thompson, a leading infectious disease expert, shared with local news that the current flu outbreak is shaping up to be on par with the deadly 2017-2018 season, which was noted as the deadliest in over forty years according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “The early signs suggest this season is not going to be a pleasant one; it could get quite serious,” Thompson remarked.
Latest data from the CDC, released on January 3, shows that around 2,900 individuals have succumbed to the flu this season, which is an increase of 800 compared to the previous week. Since October, there have been over 6.4 million reported cases of flu and approximately 55,000 hospitalizations due to the virus—both numbers have surged significantly.
While Thompson mentioned that there is a slim chance for a turnaround in this trend, he acknowledged that it seems unlikely. “We can only hope for a decline, but if the current pattern continues, we are in for a rough ride,” he noted.
A graph published by the CDC illustrates the severity of past flu seasons, with the 2017-2018 outbreak shown in teal and the current season represented by a concerning upward red line. “We don’t want to see a continuous rise like in 2017-2018,” Thompson emphasized, “but if the numbers keep climbing, we could be facing a very challenging season. The unpredictable nature of the flu is something we always have to contend with.”
This flu season has been particularly harsh on children. As of December 28, there were 27 reported child fatalities, marking the highest count for this point in the season since the CDC began tracking these statistics 17 years ago. Most of these cases involved influenza B strains, which tend to affect children more severely as they typically lack built-up immunity.
The CDC advises that it’s not too late to get vaccinated against the flu. “Getting the flu shot is still the best way to prevent influenza and its serious complications,” they stated. In addition, the CDC pointed out that antiviral medications play an important role in managing flu cases. “Almost all influenza viruses tested this season are susceptible to the four FDA-approved antiviral medications recommended for use in the U.S. this year,” they noted. These medications include oseltamivir (generic Tamiflu), zanamivir (Relenza), peramivir (Rapivab), and baloxavir marboxil (Xofluza).
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In summary, this flu season is on track to be one of the most severe in recent history, with alarming increases in cases and fatalities, particularly among children. Vaccination and antiviral treatments remain critical in managing the outbreak, and seeking information from reliable sources is essential for staying informed.