United States Grapples with Peak Flu Season
The United States is currently in the midst of peak flu season, with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reporting sustained high levels of influenza activity across the country. The severity of the flu season varies from state to state, with some regions experiencing more intense outbreaks than others.
State-by-State Flu Activity
The CDC releases a weekly map of influenza activity, indicating each state’s activity level on a scale ranging from minimal to very high. The most recent data, from the week ending February 8, 2025, reveals the following:
Very High Activity:
- New York City
- New Hampshire
- Massachusetts
- New Jersey
- Maryland
- Virginia
- Ohio
- Michigan
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Nebraska
- Kansas
- New Mexico
- Oregon
- Washington
High Activity:
- Maine
- Washington D.C.
- North Carolina
- Georgia
- Indiana
- Arkansas
- Louisiana
- Oklahoma
- Texas
Still Very High, but Slightly Lower:
- New York State
- Kentucky
- Illinois
- Wisconsin
- Iowa
- Missouri
- Colorado
- Idaho
- California
- Mississippi
- Alabama
- Connecticut
High Activity:
- Wyoming
- Arizona
- Nevada
- South Dakota
- Florida
- West Virginia
- Pennsylvania
- Minnesota
Moderate Activity:
- North Dakota
- Utah
Low Activity:
- Montana
- Hawaii
- Alaska
Factors Influencing Flu Spread
According to Anita Patel, PharmD and vice president of Pharmacy Health Services at Walgreens in Atlanta, flu typically starts spreading in the southern states due to favorable weather patterns, travel habits, and population density. However, this season, the northern and western regions of the country are experiencing higher activity.
Patel explains that colder and drier weather conditions facilitate the spread of flu viruses, while increased indoor activity during the winter months provides an ideal environment for transmission. Densely populated states tend to have higher transmission rates due to difficulty implementing social distancing and increased indoor activity.
Vaccination Rates Impacting Flu Severity
Patel also highlights the correlation between low flu vaccination rates and the intensity of the flu season. Vaccination can prevent the flu or reduce the severity of symptoms if contracted. Nationwide vaccination rates have been lower than desired, potentially contributing to the more intense season.
CDC Monitoring Flu Trends
The CDC monitors flu activity through outpatient reported illness data, which indicates people actively seeking care instead of isolating at home. Patel suggests that increased healthcare utilization this year, coupled with low vaccine rates, may be contributing to the elevated flu season.
Conclusion
The United States is experiencing a peak flu season with varying levels of activity across the country. Some states, particularly in the north and west, are experiencing high numbers of flu cases. Factors such as weather, population density, and vaccination rates influence the intensity of the flu season. It is recommended to get vaccinated against the flu to reduce the risk of infection and potentially severe symptoms.
