Flu levels have hit a 25-year high in the United States as a fast-spreading strain drives infections nationwide.
Health officials say outpatient visits for flu-like illness are now at levels not recorded since the late 1990s. Nearly every state across the nation is reporting high or very high flu activity, pointing toward a widespread and intense season that is still unfolding.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates at least 11 million people have been infected so far this season. More than 120,000 have been hospitalized with influenza, and roughly 5,000 deaths have been linked to the virus. Nine children have died as a result.
The surge is being driven largely by a strain known as influenza A (H3N2) subclade K, which now accounts for most cases, according to laboratory analysis. Experts say the strain is spreading efficiently because it differs enough from past versions of the flu to bypass existing immune defenses in many people.
Subclade K emerged after the strains for this season’s flu vaccine were selected, meaning the current flu vaccine may only offer limited protection against infection. Still, vaccination reduces the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death, according to health officials.
The spike in cases is beginning to strain hospital resources, especially in underserved areas. Several states, including New York, have reported record numbers for flu hospitalizations in recent weeks. Many regions are reporting high volumes of patients with fever, cough, and sore throat.
Children and young adults are being hit particularly hard by the flu spike. More than a third of outpatient visits for respiratory illness are coming from people under the age of 24, with children under 5 making up a significant share. Pediatric flu deaths remain a major concern as vaccination rates among children continue to fall.
Despite the surge, experts say there is no evidence subclade K causes more severe illness than past strains of influenza. The primary concern is the number of infections happening simultaneously, which is overwhelming hospitals and other health care systems.
Flu vaccination rates remain well below pre-pandemic levels. Less than half of U.S. children and adults have received a flu shot this season, even as hospitalizations hit 25-year highs. Public health officials warn that low vaccination rate leaves more people vulnerable as the virus continues to spread.
Still, experts warn that the season may not have reached its peak yet. Flu activity is expected to continue for several more weeks.
Health officials continue to urge vaccination, early treatment for flu-like symptoms, and staying home when sick.
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.