Flu cases are on the rise across the United States, with a surge in doctor visits and a concerning number of deaths. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), at least 5,000 people have died from the illness this year, and flu cases have reached their highest level in decades. As of December 27, the CDC estimates that there have been over 11 million flu cases, with at least 120,000 hospitalizations and 5,000 deaths. Nine pediatric deaths have also been linked to the flu. The situation is particularly alarming as 8.2% of outpatient doctor visits nationwide are due to flu-like illnesses, the highest rate since 1997. This is further exacerbated by the rapid spread of a new subtype of influenza A, known as H3N2, which is causing a tough flu season, especially for seniors. The immune system struggles to recognize this strain, making it more challenging to combat. Despite the severity of the situation, the CDC reports a decrease in flu vaccine administration, with only 130 million doses administered this year. This is despite the CDC's updated childhood vaccine schedule, which includes a recommendation for 'shared clinical decision-making' between doctors and parents for non-high-risk children. The Infectious Diseases Society of America has criticized these changes, arguing that they disregard the confusion families already face during vaccine-preventable disease outbreaks.
