Flu hospitalization rate at highest level this time of year since 2010 season: CDC

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported that the flu hospitalization rate in the United States has reached its highest level for this time of year since the 2010 flu season. The data, published on Friday, indicates that positive flu tests, emergency room visits, and hospitalizations have been on the rise since late August and early September. While the current hospitalization rate is still low, it has reached its highest point since the H1N1 swine flu pandemic in the 2009-10 season.

Adults aged 65 and above have the highest rate of hospitalization, followed by those aged 50-64 and children aged 0-4. Louisiana and Hawaii are currently reporting moderate levels of flu activity, while the majority of states are experiencing low or minimal activity. Despite the increasing flu activity across the country, it remains relatively low overall.

The CDC is closely monitoring any changes in flu viruses, as they can impact illnesses. It is too early to determine which viruses may become dominant or if there will be any implications for the flu vaccine's effectiveness this season. Data from Walgreens suggests that flu activity is tracking about four weeks ahead of recent flu seasons.

States with the highest levels of flu activity include California, Florida, Hawaii, Nevada, and Washington, according to the pharmacy company's data. Walgreens' data, which includes tests, prescription antivirals, over-the-counter cold and flu purchases, and other related trends, shows a 17% increase in the sale of common cold and flu products, an 13% increase in cough drops, an 18% increase in tea bags, and an 11% increase in at-home COVID and flu tests compared to the previous year.

The CDC advises that everyone aged 6 months and older should get their annual flu vaccine, with adults aged 65 and older eligible for a higher-dose version. In addition, prescription antiviral drugs are available to treat flu illness and are most effective when started early in the course of the illness.