Influenza cases are surging across the United States, causing alarm among healthcare professionals and prompting hospitals to take precautionary measures. According to Dr. Michelle Barron, senior medical director of infection prevention and control for UCHealth, flu cases have reached alarming levels. "Flu is definitely the predominant pathogen we’re seeing in terms of hospitalizations and numbers of cases overall," she stated. "There’s lots and lots of flu." This trend has been prevalent since the beginning of the new year, with COVID-19 previously dominating headlines.
Recent statistics from Colorado show the flu's impact is significant. By February 1, UCHealth's 12 hospitals were treating 96 patients with the flu, 29 for COVID-19, and 21 for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment reported 327 hospitalizations for flu statewide for the same week. Dr. Bradley Stokes from Peak Vista Community Health Centers noted, "We strive to be prepared for a ‘bad flu season’ every year so we are ready to care for our patients." His network of clinics specializes in providing healthcare to low-income residents.
Interestingly, this year's flu peak seems to be occurring later than normal. Dr. Stokes confirmed, "The amount of acute respiratory illness causing people to seek health care is at a very high level," with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recording 32% positive lab tests for influenza recently. Nationwide, about 48,661 patients were admitted to hospitals with influenza for the week ending February 1. Seasonal influenza activity, the CDC warns, remains elevated and is continuously increasing.
Throughout the country, high levels of influenza have been reported. According to the CDC, 43 states are experiencing high or very high levels of influenza, forcing some hospitals to tighten visitation rules as they contend with increased admissions due to respiratory infections. Owensboro Health Regional Hospital has instituted new visitation restrictions, advising those with fever or cough against visiting and discouraging children from coming to the facility.
Texas has also witnessed significant increases. The Nueces County Public Health District noted it reported 609 cases of influenza A during Week 4 and 729 cases during Week 5. "While those numbers are lower than the more than 1,000 cases seen locally back in December, it's still concerning," stated the district's interim public health director, Dante Gonzalez. Over 90% of cases reported are attributed to flu A, with local facilities seeing more pediatric patients than ever before.
Dr. Jaime Fergie, Director of Infectious Diseases at Driscoll Children’s Hospital, has expressed serious concern over rising cases among children. "We are very, very busy in the ERs and clinics...their numbers are the highest we have seen this season," he explained, emphasizing the correlation between flu cases and pneumonia hospitalizations. Alarmingly, the U.S. has reported 57 pediatric deaths due to influenza this year, underscoring the importance of taking preventative measures.
“It is imperative to get vaccinated,” Dr. Fergie affirmed. "Even if someone has been sick with Flu A, they also can come down with Flu B as well." Recommendations for flu prevention have been reiterated by healthcare officials. Barron suggested frequent handwashing and mask-wearing in crowded spaces where the risk of infection is heightened.
Healthcare systems are actively monitoring the flu’s spread, with wastewater monitoring showing high indicators of flu and RSV presence, and the CDC reports consistent tracking of influenza strains across the nation. The CDC warns of potential spikes from the influenza B strain later this season, emphasizing the dual threat of the flu: Influenza A is more aggressive and appears earlier, but Flu B can surge at the end of the season.
Dr. Barron encourages vaccinations as they can lessen symptoms even if the vaccinated individual contracts the virus. It is noted, "We’re not remotely done with flu season,” indicating the necessity for continuous vigilance and public awareness.
For individuals experiencing flu symptoms, seeking medical care immediately can provide much-needed support and treatment options, especially for at-risk populations. People are urged not to delay seeking help if they encounter difficult breathing, as prompt treatment can prevent severe complications.
The current flu season stands as a stark reminder of the importance of public health measures, vaccination, and hygienic practices. Flu continues to circulate widely, stressing the need for collective action to mitigate its impact as healthcare services grapple with rising demands and hospitalizations.