The U.S. is experiencing one of the most intense flu seasons in at least 15 years, according to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Flu activity has surged, with a significant rise in doctor’s office visits for flu-like symptoms, making this winter virus season the most severe since the 2009-2010 swine flu pandemic.

Flu Activity Surges Nationwide

The CDC tracks flu activity by monitoring the percentage of doctor’s office visits related to flu-like symptoms. Last week, the numbers exceeded the peak flu seasons of recent years, including the 2009 swine flu outbreak. This suggests an exceptionally high level of flu transmission across the country. While other respiratory illnesses, such as COVID-19 and RSV, can have similar symptoms, current data indicates that COVID-19 cases are on the decline, and RSV cases are also tapering off.

However, the flu remains a major concern, and its impact is being felt across various states. In some regions, the flu has been so severe that it has forced schools to close. For example, in the Godley Independent School District near Fort Worth, Texas, 650 students and 60 staff members were absent due to illness, prompting the district to close for three days. District spokesperson Jeff Meador called it “the worst flu season he could remember,” noting that the vast majority of illnesses were due to the flu, along with some cases of strep throat.

Flu Stats: 24 Million Cases, 310,000 Hospitalizations, 13,000 Deaths

So far this flu season, the CDC estimates that at least 24 million people have contracted the flu, resulting in 310,000 hospitalizations and 13,000 deaths, including 57 children. Traditionally, flu season peaks around February, and officials are bracing for more cases in the coming weeks. Last week, 43 states reported high or very high levels of flu activity, with the South, Southwest, and Western regions being hit the hardest.

A Nationwide Respiratory Surge

In Rochester, New York, Dr. Elizabeth Murray, a pediatric emergency medicine doctor at the University of Rochester Medical Center, noted that while the flu season is intense, it is not necessarily worse than previous peak seasons. However, she emphasized that other respiratory illnesses, including RSV and COVID-19, are still prevalent. “All of the respiratory illnesses are around, with a vengeance,” she added.

Vaccine Uptake and Flu Strains

Despite the severity of the flu season, flu vaccination rates have remained relatively stable. Around 44% of adults and 45% of children have received their flu shots this winter, compared to 44% and 50%, respectively, last year. Health officials strongly recommend that everyone 6 months and older get vaccinated annually to reduce the severity of illness.

As for the effectiveness of the current flu vaccine, the CDC has not yet released detailed reports on how well it’s working this season. Testing results show that two primary strains of flu, Type A H1N1 and Type A H3N2, are responsible for most of the illnesses. The CDC is also closely monitoring Type A H5N1, a bird flu strain that has infected tens of millions of animals worldwide. While it has only infected 67 people in the U.S., officials are keeping a close watch due to its potential for further spread.

How to Protect Yourself from Seasonal Viruses

To avoid getting sick this flu season, doctors recommend taking basic precautions to limit exposure to germs. These include:

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth, as germs can spread easily that way.
• Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, especially after touching surfaces in public places.
• Disinfect frequently touched surfaces like doorknobs, light switches, and remote controls.
• Avoid close contact with sick individuals to prevent the spread of illness.

Conclusion

This flu season is proving to be one of the most intense in recent history, with flu cases at alarming levels across the country. Health officials urge the public to take preventative measures, get vaccinated, and be mindful of the other respiratory illnesses circulating this winter. As flu season continues, the CDC will monitor trends closely and provide updates on the effectiveness of the vaccine and the spread of various viral strains.

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Norovirus cases are spiking across the United States this winter, according to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC reports 91 outbreaks of norovirus during the week of Dec. 5, a significant rise from the 69 outbreaks recorded at the end of November. This increase marks the highest number of outbreaks in recent years for this time of year.

Norovirus, a highly contagious stomach virus, typically leads to vomiting and diarrhea, and it tends to spread quickly in crowded places such as nursing homes, schools, cruise ships, and other communal settings. Here’s what you need to know about the virus and how to protect yourself.

What is Norovirus?

Norovirus is the leading cause of foodborne illness in the United States, responsible for 58% of all foodborne infections each year. It is caused by a group of viruses that spread easily, with just 10 viral particles enough to make someone sick.

• Annual Impact: Around 2,500 outbreaks of norovirus are reported each year in the U.S.
• Peak Season: While it can occur year-round, norovirus outbreaks are most common between November and April.

In addition to vomiting and diarrhea, common symptoms include nausea, stomach pain, body aches, headache, and fever.

How Does Norovirus Spread?

Norovirus is highly contagious and spreads in various ways:

• Direct Contact: Through close contact with infected individuals or shared items like food and utensils.
• Contaminated Surfaces: The virus can also spread through contaminated food, water, or surfaces.

Given its ability to spread quickly, it is important to be cautious, especially in settings where people gather closely together.

How Long Does the Illness Last?

The illness caused by norovirus usually develops 12 to 48 hours after exposure to the virus. Most people recover within 1 to 3 days, although symptoms may vary in intensity. Despite its short duration, norovirus remains a serious health concern, causing:

• 19 to 21 million illnesses each year in the U.S.
• 900 deaths annually, primarily among older adults (ages 65 and older).
• 109,000 hospitalizations annually, with young children being particularly vulnerable.
• 465,000 emergency department visits, mainly involving young children.

Who’s Most at Risk?

While anyone can contract norovirus, certain groups are at a higher risk:

• Young children and older adults.
• Those with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to complications, particularly dehydration from vomiting and diarrhea.

There is no specific medication to treat norovirus. The primary treatment is rehydration—drinking fluids like water, clear broths, or oral rehydration solutions. Avoid beverages like coffee, tea, or alcohol, as they can worsen dehydration.

If dehydration symptoms occur—such as dry mouth, dizziness, or fewer urinations—seek medical attention promptly. For children, symptoms like unusual sleepiness, fussiness, or crying with few or no tears may indicate dehydration.

How Can You Protect Yourself?

The best defense against norovirus, especially during peak season, is good hygiene:

1. Handwashing: Wash hands thoroughly with soap and warm water for 20 seconds before eating or preparing food.
2. Disinfecting Surfaces: Regularly clean surfaces with household disinfectants, especially in areas with high foot traffic, to reduce the spread of the virus.

Taking these precautions will help reduce your chances of getting sick and stop the virus from spreading to others.

Stay vigilant during the winter season, especially as norovirus cases rise, and take steps to protect yourself and others from this contagious stomach bug.

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This cough was a sign that her daughter might have mycoplasma pneumonia, an infection caused by the bacteria Mycoplasma pneumoniae. According to the CDC, cases began rising in the U.S. during the spring and summer, and this trend has continued into fall. In Dallas, Sharma noticed a significant increase in cases after children returned to school.

“Kids are spreading it to one another in schools, and they are likely bringing it home to their families,” Sharma explains.

Mycoplasma pneumonia often presents with upper respiratory symptoms, but some children may also experience red eyes or rashes, along with headaches.

Caleb Ward, a pediatric emergency medicine doctor at Children’s National Hospital in Washington, D.C., reports a tenfold increase in mycoplasma pneumonia cases this year. The good news is that many cases are mild, which is why it’s often referred to as “walking pneumonia.”

“People may assume they just have a mild cold, but they might actually have mycoplasma pneumonia,” Ward says.

New York City has also experienced a surge in cases. Dr. Adam Ratner, who heads the pediatric infectious diseases division at NYU and Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital, notes that while the infection typically affects children and teens aged 5 to 17, there has been a noticeable rise in cases among younger children aged 2 to 4 during this current spike.

“That’s consistent with what we are seeing nationwide,” Ratner says, and he is also a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics’ Committee on Infectious Diseases.

Most children can be treated at home. Parents should ensure their kids stay hydrated, give age-appropriate fever medication as needed, and encourage plenty of rest. For children over one year old, honey can help soothe a cough.

Parents should contact a doctor if they notice their child has difficulty breathing, isn’t drinking enough fluids, seems excessively sleepy, or has a fever lasting more than five days.

Mycoplasma pneumonia is easily treated with antibiotics, but it’s important to use the correct one. Amoxicillin, commonly prescribed for other types of pneumonia, is ineffective against mycoplasma pneumonia; instead, a macrolide antibiotic like azithromycin is necessary.

Sharma advises that kids can return to school once they have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without using fever reducers, provided they feel well enough.

However, it’s important to note that symptoms such as cough and runny nose can persist for weeks, and children may continue to spread the bacteria during this time. This is one reason why outbreaks of mycoplasma pneumonia tend to last a long time.

Now is a good time to remind children—and ourselves—to wash our hands frequently and cover our coughs and sneezes, as the winter respiratory virus season is just beginning.

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