Health and Me

Ishita Roy

Flu Cases Reach At Its Highest Level In 25 Years: Reveals CDC Data

<span>Flu</span> cases have now surged and hit the highest number in 25 years in the United States. It continues to bring misery with all, but four states that show high or very high levels of <span>flu virus</span> activity. All thanks to the new virus strain called subclade K that continues to spread. 

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), US, has shown that this year, the visits to doctor for fever, cough and a sore throat, which are common among flu symptoms have been highest since 1997-98 flu season. The data was published on Monday Dr Caitlin Rivers, an epidemiologist and senior scholar at Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security said, "This is definitely a banner year. It’s the worst we’ve had in at least 20 years. We’re seeing a majority of the country is experiencing very high levels of activity, and we’re still in the thick of it.”

Dr Rivers noted that bad flu years usually do not occur back to back, thus it is striking to see such an intense season coming off last year's bad flu season.

Read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/new-york-reports-a-record-breaking-rate-of-flu-cases-and-hospitalizations-article-153388698" data-type="tilCustomLink">New York Reports A Record Breaking Rate Of Flu Cases And Hospitalizations</a>

<h2>What Does The Data Tell Us About The Flu?</h2>

Last year, nationally, 8.2% of doctor visits were noted for flu-like symptoms during the last week of the year, whereas at the same point last season, the number was 6.7%. 

Massachusetts that reported a very high level of flu activity, officials are urging people to stay vaccinated. In a news release, Public Health Commissioner Dr Robbie Goldstein said, "This is a moment for clarity, urgency, and action. These viruses are serious, dangerous, and life-threatening. We are seeing children who are seriously ill, families grieving devastating losses, and hospitals under capacity strain. There is a simple, effective, and available way to address these concerns: vaccines."

He further added: "They can prevent serious illness and hospitalization. And they save lives. If you have not yet been vaccinated against flu or COVID-19 this season, now is the time. It is not too late. Choosing vaccination is choosing to protect yourself, your family, your friends, your colleagues, and your community.”

Also Read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/flu-symptoms-in-2026-show-new-pattern-including-lung-damage-linked-to-k-variant-article-153396373" data-type="tilCustomLink">Flu Symptoms in 2026 Show New Pattern, Including Lung Damage Linked to K Variant</a>

In terms of hospitalization, this season is yet not the standout, the cumulative hospitalization rate is the third highest by this point in the season since 2010-11. However that could change as more and more people get infected.

Dr Michael Osterholm who directs the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota says, "In the next 48 hours, if you haven’t been vaccinated, get vaccinated. Don’t wait."

As of now, as per the CDC at least 11 million people have had the flu this season, 120,000 have been hospitalized with it and 5,000 people have died.

Flu vaccinations have also dropped in children from a high of 53% over the 2019-20 flu season to 42% at the same point this season. The new flu data released by the US Department of Health and Human services have further announced to modify the <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/cdc-vaccine-schedule-coverage-falls-from-17-to-11-diseases-for-children-article-153401712" data-type="tilCustomLink">childhood vaccine schedule</a>.

Read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-news/cdc-vaccine-schedule-coverage-falls-from-17-to-11-diseases-for-children-article-153401712" data-type="tilCustomLink">CDC Vaccine Schedule: Coverage Falls From 17 to 11 Diseases For Children</a> 

<h2>What Are The Common Symptoms This Season For The Flu?</h2>

K variant causes more intense flu symptoms, they include:

<ul><li>Fever</li><li>Chills</li><li>Headache</li><li>Fatigue</li><li>Cough</li><li>Sore throat</li><li>Runny nose</li></ul>

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Flu cases have now surged and hit the highest number in 25 years in the United States. It continues to bring misery with all, but four states that show high or very high levels of flu virus activity. All thanks to the new virus strain called subclade K that continues to spread. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), US, has shown that this year, the visits to doctor for fever, cough and a sore throat, which are common among flu symptoms have been highest since 1997-98 flu season. The data was published on Monday Dr Caitlin Rivers, an epidemiologist and senior scholar at Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security said, "This is definitely a banner year. It’s the worst we’ve had in at least 20 years. We’re seeing a majority of the country is experiencing very high levels of activity, and we’re still in the thick of it.”Dr Rivers noted that bad flu years usually do not occur back to back, thus it is striking to see such an intense season coming off last year's bad flu season.Read: New York Reports A Record Breaking Rate Of Flu Cases And HospitalizationsWhat Does The Data Tell Us About The Flu?Last year, nationally, 8.2% of doctor visits were noted for flu-like symptoms during the last week of the year, whereas at the same point last season, the number was 6.7%. Massachusetts that reported a very high level of flu activity, officials are urging people to stay vaccinated. In a news release, Public Health Commissioner Dr Robbie Goldstein said, "This is a moment for clarity, urgency, and action. These viruses are serious, dangerous, and life-threatening. We are seeing children who are seriously ill, families grieving devastating losses, and hospitals under capacity strain. There is a simple, effective, and available way to address these concerns: vaccines."He further added: "They can prevent serious illness and hospitalization. And they save lives. If you have not yet been vaccinated against flu or COVID-19 this season, now is the time. It is not too late. Choosing vaccination is choosing to protect yourself, your family, your friends, your colleagues, and your community.”Also Read: Flu Symptoms in 2026 Show New Pattern, Including Lung Damage Linked to K VariantIn terms of hospitalization, this season is yet not the standout, the cumulative hospitalization rate is the third highest by this point in the season since 2010-11. However that could change as more and more people get infected.Dr Michael Osterholm who directs the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota says, "In the next 48 hours, if you haven’t been vaccinated, get vaccinated. Don’t wait."As of now, as per the CDC at least 11 million people have had the flu this season, 120,000 have been hospitalized with it and 5,000 people have died.Flu vaccinations have also dropped in children from a high of 53% over the 2019-20 flu season to 42% at the same point this season. The new flu data released by the US Department of Health and Human services have further announced to modify the childhood vaccine schedule.Read: CDC Vaccine Schedule: Coverage Falls From 17 to 11 Diseases For Children What Are The Common Symptoms This Season For The Flu?K variant causes more intense flu symptoms, they include:FeverChillsHeadacheFatigueCoughSore throatRunny nose