Why Is The Flu So Bad This Year?
What health experts are saying about the reasons behind the flu season being so bad this year.
Talk about the flu started early in September this year. Health experts warned of a bad flu season and urged people to get their flu shot early. So what caused this increased concern for flu season this year? Why did the flu season start so early? Why is the flu so bad this year? Let’s dive into these questions and more.
One of the reasons that experts were predicting a bad flu season is because what happens in the southern hemisphere is often a predictor of what the United States will experience. Australia recently had a very bad flu season. It is reported that they experienced the worst flu season they’ve had in the past five years.1
Another reason why experts think the flu rates are so high this year is because most people were wearing masks, practicing social distancing, and staying home more during the COVID pandemic. Although this has kept people safer and healthier, now antibody and immunity levels are lower. This year masks aren’t being worn as much and most people are back to a more normal routine. Their exposure to the flu is back to normal but their immunity is low so they are more likely to get ill from it. Also, some areas of the country are more affected by the flu than others. It depends on the weather, population, and community vaccination rates.
The flu virus has also had some time to change and mutate. Each year a new flu vaccine is developed based on the predictions of what strains of flu are going to be prevalent that year. As the flu virus mutates more, it makes the flu vaccine less effective. Although the flu vaccine doesn’t provide 100% protection against the flu, it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t get the flu shot every year. The vaccine still provides some protection against the flu and is your best option for preventing the flu.
If you have been paying attention to the news lately you have probably noticed that the rate of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is also very high this year. It is important to remember that sometimes another virus can be mistaken for the flu because they share many similar symptoms.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported that influenza activity is continuing to increase and that so far this year there have been at least 2.8 million flu illnesses, 23,000 flu hospitalizations, and 1,300 deaths from the flu. These numbers so far are higher than every previous flu season since 2010.2
Although the flu has been around for many years it is still a virus that can cause death and precautions should be taken to protect yourself against it. The best protection against the flu continues to be the flu vaccine. If you are immunocompromised or part of a vulnerable health group, consider wearing a mask and social distancing. Remember to always stay home if you are feeling sick.
Resources
1. It’s time to get your flu shot and your covid-19 booster — get both in one appointment. It’s Time To Get Your Flu Shot and Your COVID-19 Booster — Get Both in One Appointment — NYC Health. (2022, October 3). Retrieved October 13, 2022, from https://www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/about/press/pr2022/get-both-your-flu-shot-and-your-covid-19-booster-in-one-appointment.page
2. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022, November 10). Weekly U.S. Influenza Surveillance Report. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Retrieved November 17, 2022, from https://www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly/index.htm
