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Why is this year's flu season so bad? Doctors weigh in on symptoms and prevention


Published on 2025-02-21 14:03:09 - Today
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  • Doctor visits and hospitalizations for flu have hit a 15-year high. Why is this flu season so bad? Experts discuss influenza trends, symptoms and how to stay safe.

The 2022-2023 flu season has been particularly severe due to several factors. Firstly, the flu virus has been circulating more freely after two years of reduced activity due to COVID-19 precautions like mask-wearing and social distancing, leading to lower community immunity. This season, the dominant strain is H3N2, known for causing more severe illness, especially in older adults. Additionally, the flu vaccine's effectiveness has been lower than usual against this strain, although it still offers some protection against severe outcomes. The combination of these elements has resulted in a high number of flu cases, hospitalizations, and deaths, with the CDC reporting significant flu activity across the U.S. Moreover, the simultaneous circulation of other respiratory viruses like RSV and ongoing concerns about COVID-19 have compounded the strain on healthcare systems, making this flu season notably challenging.

Read the Full Today Article at:
[ https://www.today.com/health/cold-flu/why-is-this-flu-season-so-bad-rcna191459 ]
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