The U.S. flu season has officially ended, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reporting that flu-like illnesses have dropped below the threshold for an active flu season for the third consecutive week. This season, which began in October, was characterized as moderate, with an estimated 34 million illnesses, 380,000 hospitalizations, and 24,000 deaths attributed to the flu. Additionally, 148 children lost their lives to the virus.
Despite the high numbers, the impact of the flu was considered modest, with most illnesses linked to a milder flu strain that was well matched to the seasonal flu vaccines. Preliminary data indicated that the vaccines were around 40% effective in preventing severe flu cases among adults.
Health officials noted that the flu season coincided with peaks in COVID-19 and RSV cases. Hospitalization rates for COVID-19 and flu are currently similar, a shift from earlier in the year when COVID-19 was causing more hospitalizations. However, the overall impact of the flu season was not as severe as in previous years.
Experts caution that while the flu season has ended, there is still a possibility of springtime upticks in flu cases. The extended duration of the flu season, lasting 21 weeks under the new tracking measure, highlights the challenges posed by COVID-19 in monitoring respiratory viruses.
Overall, the 2023-24 flu season was characterized by its length rather than its severity. Health officials remain vigilant for any potential resurgence in flu activity as the season transitions.
