Flu season in the United States is intensifying, with a rapid increase in cases reported nationwide. According to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there have been at least 4.6 million illnesses, resulting in over 49,000 hospitalizations and 1,900 deaths since the start of the season. Young children, specifically those aged four and under, have been particularly affected.
Alicia Budd, the head of the CDC’s domestic influenza surveillance team, noted that “sustained, elevated activity” has been observed across multiple indicators in various regions. This alarming trend is further supported by findings from WastewaterSCAN, an academic initiative led by Stanford University in partnership with Emory University, which revealed a staggering 390% increase in influenza type A concentrations in wastewater between November and December. Marlene Wolfe, program director for WastewaterSCAN, remarked that the rise is “very consistent,” and there are currently no signs of a plateau in the spread of the virus.
Symptoms and Impact on Children
Dr. Chase Shutak, medical director at Children’s Minnesota, reported that positive flu cases at his facility have doubled within the past week. Symptoms this season have varied significantly. While some children exhibit the classic signs of influenza, others present with milder but still concerning symptoms, leading to increased visits to healthcare facilities. The dominant strain this season is influenza A, specifically the H3N2 subtype, known for causing more severe outcomes among older adults.
Budd expressed concerns regarding the potential for children infected with the virus to transmit it to older relatives during holiday gatherings. With schools on break and family celebrations occurring, the mixing of viruses among different age groups poses a significant risk.
Currently, flu activity is classified as high or very high in 14 states, including Colorado, Idaho, Louisiana, Michigan, New Jersey, and South Carolina, as well as in New York City, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico.
Despite reports of minimal flu activity in places like Wisconsin, health officials confirmed that a child in the state died from the flu. Additionally, North Carolina reported its first pediatric flu death of the season. These fatalities may not be reflected in the CDC’s data, which is current through December 13. The next flu update from the CDC is scheduled for release on December 30.
Concerns About Vaccine Effectiveness
The 2023-2024 flu season has raised alarms due to the high number of pediatric deaths, with 288 children reported dead last year, matching a record from the 2009-2010 H1N1 pandemic. A CDC report indicated that half of the children who died were otherwise healthy, and approximately 89% had not received the flu vaccine.
As for the flu vaccine’s effectiveness this season, experts are cautious. A new strain, H3N2 subclade K, has emerged, altering the virus’s surface proteins, which are crucial for the immune response. Budd acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the vaccine’s efficacy against this drifted strain but emphasized its importance as the primary preventive measure against flu and severe illness.
“Even in light of the drifted strain, we absolutely continue to recommend the flu shot this year,” she stated.
Demand for Tamiflu, an antiviral treatment for influenza, has increased compared to last year, reflecting a growing need for treatment. According to GoodRx, the rise in prescriptions often signifies earlier and potentially longer flu activity. Tori Marsh, senior director of research for GoodRx, noted that the early uptick in Tamiflu use indicates a concerning trend for this flu season.
As flu season progresses, health officials continue to urge everyone, especially children, to receive the flu vaccination to mitigate the impact of this severe outbreak.
