Key takeaways:

• The U.S. flu season is the most intense in 15 years with significant increases in outpatient doctor visits.
• CDC estimates 24 million flu illnesses, 310,000 hospitalizations, and 13,000 deaths this season.
• Vaccination rates remain unchanged for adults but have dropped for children, with only 45% vaccinated.

The current flu season in the United States has escalated into the most severe outbreak in over 15 years, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (AP News). The CDC's latest data indicates that nearly 8% of outpatient visits for respiratory illnesses are attributed to flu-like symptoms, the highest level since the swine flu pandemic of 2009-2010. This surge is unprecedented, with multiple states reporting flu activity at very high levels.

Furthermore, the CDC estimates that this season has led to approximately 24 million illnesses, 310,000 hospitalizations, and 13,000 deaths, including at least 57 pediatric fatalities. This dire situation has forced several schools, such as the Godley Independent School District in Texas, to close temporarily due to substantial staff and student absence resulting from flu illness. District spokesman Jeff Meador described it as "the worst flu season he could remember," illustrating the widespread implications of this flu outbreak.

Despite the gravity of the situation, flu vaccination rates have remained consistent with previous seasons, with about 44% of adults and 45% of children vaccinated. A slight increase in COVID-19 vaccination rates was noted, with about 23% of U.S. adults up to date on their COVID shots, but pediatric vaccination levels have stabilized around 12%. Experts are concerned that the declining vaccination rates among children may reduce the overall effectiveness of community immunity, exacerbating the current crisis. Health professionals stress the importance of vaccination for flu prevention, especially amidst this ongoing surge in respiratory illnesses.

Alongside the flu, other viral infections such as RSV and COVID-19 are also being monitored. Fortunately, recent data suggests that COVID-19 cases are on the decline. Nevertheless, the CDC has indicated that 43 states experienced high or very high flu activity last week, most notably in the South, Southwest, and western regions of the United States. Emergency department visits for flu-like illnesses have increased drastically—up to 3.2% from last year's 8%—and there's growing pressure on healthcare systems amidst escalating hospitalization rates.