Flu season and medicine. (Credit: Simon Kadula/Unsplash)
The CDC surveillance map shows cases are widespread, with the flu being high and very high in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Delaware.
The northeastern United States is currently experiencing one of the most severe flu seasons in recent memory, with a significant rise in flu cases and flu-related deaths among children.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the 2024-2025 flu season has been classified as a "high severity" season, with flu activity reaching levels not seen in over a decade, according to ABC News.
The CDC reports that there have been at least 33 million flu illnesses, 430,000 hospitalizations, and 19,000 deaths so far this season, with 86 pediatric flu deaths recorded, per the report. This alarming trend has prompted public health officials to urge parents to ensure their children are vaccinated against the flu.
In the Philadelphia region, the situation is particularly dire. Local health experts have noted a surge in flu cases, with the Philadelphia Department of Public Health reporting that the city is experiencing the worst flu season in more than a decade, according to Fox 29.
Dr. Mike Cirigliano, of Penn Medicine, said that he is seeing three to four cases of the flu daily, a number he has never encountered in his 33 years of practice, per the article. The spike in flu cases has been attributed to several factors, including large gatherings such as Super Bowl watch parties and the Eagles' victory parade, which provided ample opportunities for the virus to spread, said the report.
The CDC's weekly influenza surveillance report highlights that the flu activity in the northeastern U.S. is at its highest level since the 1997-1998 flu season. The report indicates that 45 jurisdictions, including Pennsylvania and New Jersey, are experiencing high to very high levels of influenza activity.
In Philadelphia, the flu has been spreading rapidly, with hospitals seeing an influx of patients presenting with flu-like symptoms, according to 6abc.com. Dr. David Manoff, chief of pulmonary and critical care at Temple University Hospital's Jeanes Campus, said that the region is seeing more flu cases and hospitalizations than in previous years.
The rise in flu cases has also led to an increase in flu-related deaths among children. The CDC reported that 68 children have died from the flu so far this season, with 11 of those deaths occurring in the week between February 2-8.
This marks a significant increase from previous years and underscores the severity of the current flu season. Public health officials are particularly concerned about the low flu vaccination rates among children, which have been declining since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, per the CDC report.
In Bucks County, Pennsylvania, the flu and other respiratory illnesses such as RSV and norovirus are also on the rise. Dr. David Damsker, head of the Bucks County Department of Health, said the importance of getting vaccinated and practicing good hygiene to prevent the spread of these illnesses, according to the Bucks County Courier Times.
The CDC estimates that there have been at least 29 million flu infections nationwide this season, with 370,000 hospitalizations and 16,000 deaths. The severity of this year's flu season is driven by a combination of factors, including increased social interactions and lower vaccination rates, per the report.
The Philadelphia Department of Public Health has been closely monitoring the situation and providing regular updates on flu activity in the region. The department's latest report indicates that influenza diagnoses at local emergency departments have increased for adolescents and adults, while slightly decreasing for children under five years old. Despite the decrease in flu cases among young children, the overall flu activity remains high, with 20 influenza outbreaks reported in long-term care facilities and other closed settings, per the report.
According to CBS Philadelphia, flu cases are at their highest level in 15 years, with 24 million flu cases reported nationwide so far this season. The CDC's surveillance map shows that the flu is widespread, with high and very high activity levels in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware, according to CBS Philadelphia. Dr. Michelle Miglioi, a family medicine physician, said in the article that flu vaccination rates are disappointing, with only about 45% of adults getting the annual shot this season.
The rise in flu cases has also led to increased demand for flu tests and antiviral treatments, according to the Fox 29 report. Pharmacies and urgent care centers in the Philadelphia region have reported long wait times and high demand for flu tests.
Cirigliano stressed the importance of getting tested and seeking medical care if flu symptoms worsen. He also recommended that individuals who are sick stay home to prevent spreading the virus to others.
Public health officials are urging parents to ensure their children receive the flu vaccine, which can help reduce the severity of illness and prevent flu-related complications. The CDC recommends that everyone six months and older get an annual flu vaccine, especially children at higher risk for serious flu complications. Studies have shown that flu vaccination can reduce the risk of flu-related hospitalization and death in children.
The current flu season has also highlighted the importance of public health measures such as handwashing, wearing masks in crowded indoor areas, and staying home when sick, per Bucks County Courier Times.
Damsker said that these simple actions can help prevent the spread of the flu and other respiratory illnesses, per the article. He also encouraged individuals to get vaccinated and stay informed about the latest public health recommendations.
