US Flu Hospitalization Rate Highest for This Time of Year Since 2010

The United States is experiencing its highest flu hospitalization rate for this point in the season since the 2010 season, according to an update from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Flu testing, emergency room visits, and hospitalizations have been on the rise since late August and early September. While the current hospitalization rate remains relatively low overall, it marks the highest level for this period since the 2009-10 H1N1 "swine flu" pandemic.

The CDC data indicates that adults over age 65 have the highest hospitalization rate, followed by adults aged 50-64 and children aged 0-4. Louisiana and Hawaii are reporting moderate levels of flu activity, while the rest of the states are experiencing low or minimal activity.

Walgreens data suggests that flu activity is approximately four weeks ahead of recent seasons. According to the pharmacy company's data, California, Florida, Hawaii, Nevada, and Washington are among the states with the highest current flu levels. Sales of common cold and flu products have increased by 17% year over year, cough drops by 13%, tea bags by 18%, and at-home COVID and flu tests by 11%.

Flu viruses are constantly changing, and the CDC is monitoring for any significant mutations that could affect illness severity. It is currently too early to predict which viruses might become dominant or how they might impact the effectiveness of this season's flu vaccine.

The CDC recommends that everyone six months and older receive an annual flu vaccine, with a higher-dose version available for adults 65 and older. Prescription antiviral drugs are also available to treat flu illness, which are most effective when administered early in the course of sickness to reduce severity and duration.