A historic flu season

Flu continues to hit hard across the country. New data released today show outpatient visits for influenza-like illness (visits to the doctor for fever plus either cough or sore throat) have climbed to 7.8%, up from last week's already high 7.7%.

In fact, in today’s report, the CDC said that for the first time since the 2017-2018 season, we're experiencing "high severity" across all age groups, including children, adults, and older adults.

The impact is particularly intense in two regions. Across the South and Northeast, several states are reporting that more than 1 in 10 outpatient visits are for flu symptoms. South Carolina, Tennessee, Ohio, New Jersey, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts are all clearing 10% outpatient ILI.

Unfortunately, we are seeing a sharp rise in severe illness as well. Trends have eased a bit in the most recent report, but ED visits for flu1 among children under 17 remain well above last season’s highs. In fact, 1 in 6 emergency department visits in the 0-17 age groups are for influenza.

Inpatient hospitalizations have reached the highest levels since 2010-2011. Note that while children are more likely to visit doctors' offices and emergency departments with flu symptoms, it's older adults who face the greatest risk of requiring hospital admission.

I will have more for you on Monday, but I thought this unusually severe season merited another extra note.