The hospitalization rate from flu cases at this point in the year is higher than the rate observed at this same point during previous flu seasons going back to 2010-2011, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. As of its November 10, 2022 update, influenza tracking by the CDC shows at least 2.8 million illnesses, 23,000 hospitalizations, and 1,300 deaths from flu.
“We need to take flu seriously, especially when it comes to older adults, young children, pregnant women, nursing home residents, and people with asthma, lung disease, heart disease, diabetes, or obesity,” says Kathleen Robischon, MD, senior medical director, utilization management and medical policy at Excellus BlueCross BlueShield. The 2021-2022 flu season saw an estimated 9 million flu illnesses, 4 million flu-related medical visits, 100,000 flu-related hospitalizations, and 5,000 flu deaths, according to the CDC. Older adults accounted for 83% of the deaths.
Influenza, or ‘flu’, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. Flu season typically begins in October, peaks in February, and continues until May. Last season, activity began to increase in November and remained elevated until mid-June. According to Robischon, most people who get the flu have mild illness and recover, without medical care, in less than two weeks. Some people in high-risk groups are more likely to develop flu-related complications.
Vaccination helps prevent infection and can also prevent serious outcomes in vaccinated people who still get sick with flu. The CDC recommends everyone ages 6 months and older gets a flu vaccine annually.
“Last flu season, about half (51.4%) of eligible individuals received the flu vaccine, which is simply too few,” says Robischon. Vaccination rates vary by race. Last season, 54.6% of those vaccinated were white, 45.0% were Hispanic, and 44.5% were black.
Flu vaccinations are available at nearly every neighborhood and grocery store pharmacy, and at many medical practices. Vaccine supplies are plentiful – manufacturers project they will supply the U.S. with as many as 183 million doses. All will be quadrivalent (four component). New this season, is a recommendation for the use of higher dose and adjuvanted flu vaccines in people ages 65 and older over the standard dose, unadjuvanted flu vaccines.
“Consult your health care provider if you have any questions about your eligibility to receive the flu vaccine,” advises Robischon. “While it is never too early or too late in the flu season to get vaccinated, sooner is better as it takes about two weeks for the vaccine to provide protection.”
Find a flu vaccine site near you online by visiting http://www.Vaccines.gov, and then clicking on “Find Flu Vaccines.”
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