Flu rate in US hits highest level in over 15 years

The influenza rate in the United States has reached or is nearing its highest level in at least 15 years and continues to rise, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

So far this season, the CDC estimates that the flu has caused at least 24 million illnesses, 310,000 hospitalizations, and 13,000 deaths across the country. In its latest weekly flu surveillance report, the agency stated that seasonal influenza activity remains on an upward trend nationwide.

During the week ending February 1, 7.8% of outpatient visits were due to influenza-like illnesses, reflecting a steady increase from 7% the previous week and 5.8% the week before.

Emergency department visits also saw a significant impact, with 8% of patients diagnosed with influenza, compared to 1% diagnosed with COVID-19 and 0.5% with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

Additionally, the CDC reported an unusually high number of norovirus outbreaks this winter.

A CDC spokesperson was unavailable for immediate comment.