This flu season has already proven to be particularly deadly, with approximately 1,500 lives lost across the nation, including the tragic deaths of nine children. Between December 15 and December 21, five young lives were taken by the flu. Additionally, an alarming 3.1 million individuals have reported falling ill with the flu, resulting in at least 37,000 hospitalizations, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
As of now, no specific strain of the flu seems to be dominant, but health officials caution that it is still early in the season to determine the efficacy of the flu vaccine against the virus. Although cases are increasing in all regions and age groups nationwide, outbreaks have notably surged in 13 states this week, including Tennessee, Oregon, and Louisiana.
New York State has witnessed a concerning uptick in influenza cases, with a staggering 86% surge compared to the previous week, according to data from the state Health Department. In the week ending on December 21, at least 16,043 individuals tested positive for the flu, with 648 requiring hospitalization.
Hospitals and nursing homes alike have reported outbreaks, with a total of 68 outbreaks occurring within medical facilities throughout the state this season. The recent escalation in cases prompted the CDC to officially declare December 20 as the commencement of the 2024-25 flu season, urging individuals over the age of 6 months to get vaccinated.
The CDC emphasizes the importance of flu vaccination, highlighting that even in seasons where the vaccine closely matches circulating viruses, it has been shown to reduce the risk of flu illness by 40% and flu-related hospitalization by 60%. However, vaccination rates remain a concern, with only 41% of adults and children having received their flu shot as of December 7.
Last year, there were 205 pediatric deaths related to influenza, the highest number ever recorded for a standard flu season. Shockingly, 80% of children who died and were eligible for vaccination were not fully vaccinated, underscoring the critical need for widespread immunization.
This year, vaccination rates for children have declined by 3% compared to last year, mirroring the statistics for adult vaccination rates. The CDC urges individuals to utilize the vaccines.gov website to locate places where flu shots are available and stresses the importance of immunization in combating the flu virus effectively.
