US Flu Season Claimed 13,000 Lives And Infected 24 Million, CDC Declares It The Worst In 15 Years

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data suggests that the number of patients visiting the doctor with flu-like symptoms last week itself was higher than any winter flu season peak since 2009 or 2010.

The influenza virus is fairly common in the United States and has been causing havoc among the population. According to news reports, this year, the US is under the grip of by far the worst winter virus season in 15 years. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data suggests that the number of patients visiting the doctor with flu-like symptoms last week itself was higher than any winter flu season peak since 2009 or 2010. CDC also states that one key sign of flu activity is the rate of doctor visits by patients with symptoms of flu.

According to Jeff Meador, a district spokesman, the majority of illnesses are currently being caused by either influenza or strep throat. He called it the worst flu season he could remember. Data also points to the fact that the RSV, which is also fairly common in US and plagues public health is at present showing signs of fading nationwide.

As per CDC estimates, US recorded at least 24 million flu infections, 310,000 hospitalizations and 13,000 deaths in total, including at least 57 children. Typically, flu season peaks in the month of February. But, over the last week, 43 states reported high or very high flu activity. Multiple intense cases were also reported from the South, Southwest and western states.

Flu vaccination is administered in the US to protect people from contracting this infection as well as infections like RSV. This winter, about 44 per cent of adults received a shot for flu, which remains the same as last winter. The number of children ho received a shot this winter has gone significantly down at about 45%, says reports. It's usually around 50%, according to CDC data. The government of US has not yet reported its estimates of how well this season's flu vaccine is working. US health officials recommend that everyone 6 months and older get an annual flu vaccination.