U.S. faces most intense flu season in 15 years, forcing school closures

The U.S. is experiencing its most severe flu season in at least 15 years, with cases surging across the country and schools shutting down due to widespread illness.

Flu activity has reached record levels, with the percentage of doctor’s visits for flu-like symptoms surpassing the peak of any winter flu season since the 2009-2010 swine flu pandemic. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that flu cases have been rising sharply, while other respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19 and RSV, appear to be on the decline.

Schools in several states have been forced to close due to high levels of illness. In Texas, the Godley Independent School District, which serves 3,200 students near Fort Worth, closed for three days after 650 students and 60 staff members were absent due to illness. Jeff Meador, the district’s spokesperson, described this as the worst flu season in recent memory, with flu and strep throat being the most common illnesses.

The CDC estimates that this flu season has already led to at least 24 million flu illnesses, 310,000 hospitalizations, and 13,000 deaths, including 57 children. Flu activity remains highest in the South, Southwest, and western states, with 43 states reporting high or very high flu activity.

Experts are warning that multiple respiratory viruses remain in circulation. Dr. Elizabeth Murray, a pediatric emergency medicine physician in Rochester, New York, said the flu season has been intense but comparable to past peak seasons. She noted that RSV is still spreading and that an unexpected number of infants have tested positive for COVID-19.

Flu vaccination rates remain lower than recommended. About 44 percent of U.S. adults have received a flu shot this winter, a rate unchanged from last year. Flu vaccine coverage among children has dropped to 45 percent, a decline from the usual 50 percent. Health officials stress the importance of vaccination, as flu season typically peaks in February.

Testing results indicate that two strains of flu, Type A H1N1 and Type A H3N2, are responsible for most cases this season. Experts are also closely monitoring the H5N1 bird flu, which has infected tens of millions of animals but has only been confirmed in 67 human cases in the U.S.

Doctors recommend frequent handwashing with soap and water to prevent illness. Avoiding touching the face, especially the eyes, nose, and mouth, can help reduce the risk of infection. Cleaning frequently touched surfaces and avoiding close contact with sick individuals are also important measures.

As flu season continues, health officials emphasize the need for vaccinations and hygiene measures to prevent further spread and protect vulnerable populations.