The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has classified the current flu season as high severity for all age groups, marking the first time since the 2017-18 season. Over the past two weeks, flu deaths have surpassed COVID-19 fatalities, accounting for 2.6% of total deaths, compared to 1.5% for COVID.
Outpatient visits for flu-like illnesses have been above baseline levels for 11 consecutive weeks, with high activity reported in 46 states. The highest rates are seen among children aged 24 years and younger.
Eleven pediatric flu deaths were recently reported, bringing the total to 68. These cases were linked to influenza A, with subtyped samples showing a predominance of the 2009 H1N1 strain.
The CDC has also observed high levels of test positivity at clinical labs, with rates similar to peak weeks going back to 2015-16. Seniors and adults aged 50-64 are most affected by flu complications.
Vaccination is strongly recommended for everyone ages 6 months and older, as antiviral flu drugs can be effective in treatment when started early, especially for those at higher risk of complications.
Source: https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/influenza-general/us-flu-reaches-high-severity-status-deaths-outpace-covid