Understanding the 2022-23 Flu Season
Flu season 2022-23 has been an unusual one, marked with some strange phenomena. In this article, we will discuss the various facets of the recent flu season, including vaccine effectiveness, hospitalization rates, and the absence of a second wave, according to data collected by Walgreens and the CDC.
Flu Season Peaks
Typically, flu season peaks between December and February. However, this season began much earlier, and surges in flu activity were recorded as early as August.
No Second Wave
The 2022-23 flu season broke a pattern by not experiencing the typical second wave of flu cases. Flu activity usually returns in late January through early March, led predominantly by influenza B. However, this season saw no evidence of a second wave.
Factors Behind No Second Wave
Despite the widespread absence of a second wave, the number of flu cases, illnesses, and deaths due to influenza is comparable to pre-pandemic seasons. Several factors could explain the absence of a second wave, including the strong match between flu strains and vaccines this season.
Vaccine Effectiveness
According to data from the CDC, the flu vaccine’s effectiveness against predominant H3N2 viruses this season was about 45% among children, while vaccinated adults aged 18-64 were 51% less likely to visit a hospital due to flu. These figures exhibit a much-improved effectiveness rate.
Return to Pre-Pandemic Activities
As people resumed pre-pandemic activities during the fall, it resulted in greater exposure to respiratory infections as they spent more time indoors without masks or social distancing.
Cases and Hospitalization Rates
The CDC estimate states that at least 26 million illnesses, 290,000 hospitalizations, and between 19,000-56,000 deaths from flu have occurred during the season.
Influenza Hospitalization Surveillance Network (FluSurv-NET)
The Influenza Hospitalization Surveillance Network (FluSurv-NET) conducts population-based surveillance of lab-confirmed flu-related hospitalizations in 13 states representing around 9% of the population.
Cumulative Hospitalization Rates
The cumulative hospitalization rate was 62.6 per 100,000 populations this season, which is nearly similar to rates reported during previous seasons.
Rates by Age, Race, and Ethnicity
Rates of hospitalization per 100,000 populations were highest among adults aged 65 and older, followed by children aged 0-4 years and adults aged 50-64 years.
Rates based on Race and Ethnicity
The flu hospitalization rate was highest among non-Hispanic Black persons, followed by non-Hispanic American Indian or Alaska Native persons and Hispanic/Latino persons. Non-Hispanic White persons had a rate of 54.1, and non-Hispanic Asian/Pacific Islander persons had a rate of 27.7.
Underlying Medical Conditions
Among hospitalized adults with influenza and information available on underlying medical conditions, 97.0% reported at least one underlying medical condition. Among hospitalized women aged 15-49 years with influenza and information on pregnancy status, 36.8% were pregnant.
Flu is Dangerous
Influenza can have severe implications, including secondary complications like pneumonia and sepsis, which could be critical for everyone, including healthy children and adults.
Top 10 Seasonal Flu Facts
Understanding the dangers of influenza and taking preventative steps is crucial to protecting yourself and your loved ones.
Seasonal Flu Facts
This section discusses ten essential flu season facts such as significant flu activity in the Southern Hemisphere, the severity of this flu season, it’s not just the flu, average annual flu statistics, and others.
Flu Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment
This section discusses the common flu symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options available.
Flu Symptoms
Common flu symptoms include high fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue, and stomach discomfort.
Flu Diagnosis and Treatment
Prompt flu treatment involves the use of antiviral drugs, which can significantly reduce the symptoms and duration of the illness. Antiviral medication should be taken within 48 hours of flu onset for maximum effectiveness.
Conclusion
Influenza can be a serious illness with severe implications, including secondary complications. Vaccination is the most effective way to protect against flu-related illnesses, hospitalizations, and deaths. Ensure to seek prompt treatment as soon as you experience flu symptoms.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers:
1. Can flu vaccines make me sick?
2. When should I get flu vaccinations?
3. Can flu vaccines be administered alongside other vaccines?
4. Can COVID vaccines prevent flu infections?
5. What are the emergency warning signs of flu in children and adults?
Overall, understanding and taking precautions against the flu can help to prevent severe illness and save lives.
