The US is experiencing its worst flu season in over a decade, with cases trending up and reaching historic levels since the 2010-2011 swine flu outbreak. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports at least 29 million flu infections so far this season, including 370,000 hospitalizations and 16,000 deaths.
Experts say the surge in flu cases is attributed to a combination of factors, including increased socializing after the pandemic and low vaccination rates among the general population. Flu vaccination rates are at their lowest level in three years, with children’s rates hitting a six-year low.
The CDC also reports an uptick in other illnesses, such as COVID-19, RSV, and norovirus. However, health officials prioritize flu cases, which have surpassed COVID-related deaths for the first time since the pandemic began five years ago.
“We’re not seeing COVID getting better; we’re seeing influenza getting worse,” said Jen Brull, president of the American Academy of Family Physicians. “It’s essential to get vaccinated against both flu and COVID this year.”
Source: https://eu.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2025/02/19/flu-surging-rsv-covid-norovirus/79098095007