INDIANA – According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Weekly U.S. Influenza Surveillance report flu infections surged to the highest number since 2009.
Agency data showed an estimated 880,000 lab-confirmed influenza infections, 6,900 people are hospitalized, and 360 people, have died.
In Indiana, 2,332 people were hospitalized. One influenza-associated death occurring during the 2022-2023 season was reported to CDC. The death was associated with an influenza A(H3) virus and occurred during week 40 (the week ending October 8, 2022). This is the first influenza-associated pediatric death occurring during the 2022-2023 season that has been reported to CDC. The person was over the age of 65. Influenza-associated deaths are reportable within 72 hours of knowledge.
Other states are also showing high numbers of flu cases.
People at the highest risk are those who are older and suffer from other medical problems or are immune-compromised.
A few things are different for the 2022-2023 influenza (flu) season, including:
- Influenza activity continues to increase. Regions 4 (southeast) and 6 (south-central) are reporting the highest levels of flu activity.
- The first influenza-associated pediatric death of the 2022-2023 season was reported this week.
- CDC estimates that, so far this season, there have been at least 880,000 flu illnesses, 6,900 hospitalizations, and 360 deaths from flu.
- The cumulative hospitalization rate in the FluSurv-NET system is higher than the rate observed in week 42 during previous seasons going back to 2010-2011.
- An annual flu vaccine is the best way to protect against the flu. Vaccination helps prevent infection and can also prevent serious outcomes in people who get vaccinated but still get sick with the flu.
- CDC recommends that everyone ages 6 months and older get a flu vaccine annually.
- There are also prescription flu antiviral drugs that can be used to treat flu illness; those need to be started as early as possible.
- The composition of flu vaccines has been updated.
- For the 2022-2023 flu season, there are three flu vaccines that are preferentially recommended for people 65 years and older. These are Fluzone High-Dose Quadrivalent vaccine, Flublok Quadrivalent recombinant flu vaccine, and Fluad Quadrivalent adjuvanted flu vaccine.
- The recommended timing of vaccination is similar to last season. For most people who need only one dose for the season, September and October are generally good times to get vaccinated. Vaccination in July and August is not recommended for most adults but can be considered for some groups. While ideally it’s recommended to get vaccinated by the end of October, it’s important to know that vaccination after October can still provide protection during the peak of flu season.
- The age indication for the cell culture-based inactivated flu vaccine, Flucelvax Quadrivalent (ccIIV4), changed from 2 years and older to 6 months and older.
- Pre-filled Afluria Quadrivalent flu shots for children are not expected to be available this season. However, children can receive this vaccine from a multidose vial at the recommended dose.
