Flu Season Deemed Moderate and Ending

Seasonal influenza activity continues to decline nationally and in most areas of the country, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease and Prevention (CDC). For the week ending April 20, medical visits for the respiratory illness sank below the threshold for an active flu season for the third consecutive week, except for New England which still is experiencing modest flu impact. Since January, the overall number of weekly flu hospitalizations has declined.

CDC estimates that at least 34 million illnesses, 380,000 hospitalizations, and 24,000 deaths from flu have occurred so far this season, which began in October.

While the flu season was long, CDC said the period was moderate due to the fact that most illnesses were attributed to a milder flu strain that was well matched for vaccines. Vaccines were around 40% effective in preventing adults from getting sick enough to seek medical attention, according to preliminary data.

COVID-19 and RSV illnesses also have peaked simultaneously as flu. CDC data also shows hospitalization rates are similar between the flu and COVID-19. Additionally, the CDC data shows that COVID-19 hospitalizations did not reach the same numbers they did during the last three winters.

Still, the CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older get an annual flu vaccine as long as flu activity continues.