CDC Says Long Flu Season in the United States Has Likely Come to an End

The influenza season in the United States seems to have concluded. While it was prolonged, it did not exhibit unusually severe characteristics.

Long Flu Season in the US Will Soon Be Over

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), for the third successive week, medical consultations for flu-like symptoms have fallen lower the threshold displaying an active flu season.

Additional indicators, such as hospitalizations and patient testing, also indicate reduced and diminishing activity.

No state is reporting an important level of flu activity, with only New England encountering a level of patient traffic commonly related to an active flu season, although at a moderate level.

Since October, CDC estimates show there have been at least 34 million flu cases, leading to 380,000 hospitalizations and 24,000 passings.

The agency has recorded 148 pediatric deaths due to flu. CDC officials categorize this as a "moderate" flu season, a view shared by other medical professionals.

Even at its pinnacle, healthcare facilities did not feel overpowered, according to Dr. Jay Varkey, an infectious disease physician at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta.

The season was characterized by a predominance of milder flu strains, which were well-matched to the seasonal flu vaccines. Initial data from February recommends these vaccines were roughly 40% effective in avoiding serious flu-related diseases in adults.

The COVID-19 pandemic corresponds with the flu season, as did a rise in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases. Hospitalization rates for COVID-19 and flu have been related, according to CDC data, although COVID-19 hospitalizations did outweigh flu hospitalizations earlier in the year.

While this flu season wasn't particularly severe, its duration was notable, and there's always a possibility of springtime increases in flu cases.

COVID-19 has complicated the tracking of respiratory viruses, with the CDC now focusing on the percentage of positive flu specimens rather than the traditional method of counting weeks of elevated doctor's visits for flu-like symptoms.

Under this new method, the 2023-24 flu season lasted 21 weeks, compared to the usual 11 to 21 weeks seen before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Influenza, or the Flu, What is It?

Influenza, commonly referred to as the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by viruses targeting the nose, throat, and lungs. Its seriousness can differ from mild to severe. When afflicted with the flu, persons often encounter some or all of the following symptoms:

• Fever or feeling feverish/chills (although not everybody with the flu progresses a fever)
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or congested nose
• Muscle or body aches
• Headaches

How To Alleviate Flu Symptoms?

• Rest: Allow the immune system sufficient time to recover by getting plenty of rest.
• Cough Medication: Ease displeasure and promote restful sleep with efficient cough medications.
• Hydration: Increase fluid intake to maintain proper hydration levels.
• Over-the-counter treatment: While they cannot cure the flu, definite over-the-counter treatments can give manifestation remedies for sore throat, runny nose, minor aches and pains, headache, fever, or cough.

However, seek medical attention if encountered any of the following:

• A temperature of 103°F or higher.
• Fever lasting more than three days.
• Fever accompanied by severe headache, throat swelling, unusual skin rash, mental confusion, persistent vomiting, or other concerning symptoms.