Flu season in the United States has started with relatively low activity, although health officials express concern about potential increases in severity as winter progresses. According to data released on October 27, 2023, by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), flu activity is currently high only in four states: Colorado, Louisiana, New Jersey, and New York. In most other areas, flu activity remains minimal or low, characterizing the current season as “mild.”
The CDC reported that while severity indicators are trending upwards, they still fall within the confines of a mild flu season. Influenza and other respiratory diseases typically peak during winter due to increased indoor gatherings, which facilitate the spread of viruses. Alongside the flu, cases of norovirus, a highly contagious cause of gastrointestinal distress, have been rising over the past month.
Flu Hospitalizations Raise Alarm
Last year’s flu season was particularly severe, marked by the highest hospitalization rates since the H1N1 pandemic in 2009. The CDC noted that there were 288 pediatric flu deaths, matching the total recorded during the 2009-2010 pandemic. This week, the first pediatric flu death of the current season was reported, raising alarms among health experts.
One type of flu virus, known as A H3N2, is of particular concern as it has historically led to high hospitalization and mortality rates among older adults. This season, H3N2 infections predominantly involve a new variant, the subclade K, which differs from the strain included in this year’s vaccine. With flu seasons often peaking around February, the implications of this mismatch remain uncertain.
The CDC continues to recommend annual vaccinations for everyone aged six months and older. Data indicates that approximately 42% of U.S. adults and 41% of children have received flu vaccinations this season. While the vaccine may not eliminate all symptoms, it can significantly reduce the severity of infections, as supported by preliminary analyses from the UK.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus and COVID-19 Trends
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is another respiratory illness that typically peaks in late winter. Though reported cases have been relatively low thus far, experts anticipate an increase as the season progresses. Dr. Cameron Wolfe, an infectious disease specialist at Duke University, highlighted that recent vaccines for pregnant women and older adults may be contributing to higher vaccination rates against RSV. As of October 2023, 41% of Americans aged 75 and older and 40% of infants have been vaccinated against RSV.
COVID-19 activity currently remains low, with the CDC recently publishing findings that the COVID-19 vaccine can effectively prevent severe illness in children. Among children aged nine months to four years, the vaccine demonstrated a 76% efficacy rate in preventing hospitalizations, while it was 56% effective for those aged five to 17. Despite these findings, vaccination rates for COVID-19 have been low this season, with only 7% of children and 15% of adults receiving the latest vaccine.
The CDC’s decision in October 2023 to cease recommendations for COVID-19 vaccinations for healthy children has sparked debate among health professionals. Several medical organizations argue against this shift, emphasizing the importance of vaccinations in combating a virus responsible for more than 1.2 million deaths in the U.S. alone.
As flu season unfolds, public health officials will closely monitor trends in respiratory illnesses, urging vaccinations to mitigate potential risks as colder weather encourages indoor gatherings.
