7 States Report High Flu Activity as US Season Intensifies Early

The influenza season in the United States has started earlier than usual and is intensifying rapidly, according to data published by the Centers for the Control and Prevention of Diseases.

Key Clinical Takeaways:
• Seven states recorded high flu activity last week, compared to two states the previous week.
• More than 3% of medical visits last week were for influenza-like illness, signaling the season is underway.
• Louisiana currently stands as the state most affected by the early viral spread.

The CDC reported that seven states registered high flu activity, an increase from two states the prior week. More than 3% of medical visits last week involved influenza-like illnesses. Louisiana is currently the most heavily impacted state.

“If you have not been vaccinated, you must get vaccinated now,” Lopez told Telemundo.

Activity at the start of the season is higher than typically observed during this period, though it remains unclear whether this indicates a worse season overall. The hospitalization rate for flu in mid-October reached the highest recorded level this early in the autumn in over 15 years, Dr. Anna Durbin of Johns Hopkins University noted during a media briefing.

The CDC estimates that the current season has brought at least 2.6 million illnesses, 36,000 hospitalizations, and 2,100 deaths linked to influenza infections. The surge began across the southern and western regions of the country, with high activity documented in California, Louisiana, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Washington.

Early increases in Louisiana are common annually, driven by lower vaccination rates, high poverty levels, and barriers to healthcare access, according to Lopez. Physicians anticipate accelerated spread of influenza and other respiratory viruses as individuals travel and gather for the Thanksgiving holiday.

“As we prepare to gather with family and friends during the upcoming holidays, getting vaccinated is especially important,” Dr. Nicole Iovine, an infectious disease specialist affiliated with the University of Florida, said in an emailed statement.

Health authorities advise against receiving the vaccine while experiencing significant symptoms, as the immune system is already actively engaged. However, individuals should still receive the flu shot even if they contracted an infection earlier in the autumn, because the vaccine protects against three distinct virus types and multiple strains frequently circulate each season, Lopez explained.

Last winter’s influenza season peaked in late December with intense infections in several regions, which New York City health officials described at the time as the most severe season in 20 years. That season tapered off and largely concluded by late March, though the CDC subsequently estimated at least 32 million illnesses, 380,000 hospitalizations, and 24,000 deaths.

Most autumn illnesses are currently caused by a variant of the influenza A H1N1 virus containing mutations that can more easily evade immune system defenses.

Data so far indicate that the current vaccine can recognize and act against the circulating virus, Andrew Pekosz, an immunology expert at Johns Hopkins University, stated during a media briefing. Health officials will require months to determine the exact efficacy of this year’s vaccine, though Pekosz said that there is no cause for concern at present.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and scientific communication purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider regarding any medical condition, diagnosis, or treatment plan.