2022 is the worst flu season in two decades. See the rise in charts.

flu this season furious start Superseded by record-breaking levels of contagion — and massive A burden on America’s healthcare system.

In the week of November 26, more than 34,000 positive flu tests were reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) from laboratories across the United States, as shown by the orange line in the graph below. . That’s more positive flu tests than reported in his one week during the flu season on record going back to 1997.

This trajectory gives a small glimpse of the past six flu seasons, including the relatively bad 2019-2020 flu season (indicated by the black line) just before the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Part of this sharp increase in cases is related to the fact that more people are being tested for the flu than in previous years. Through November, about Double the number of flu tests Similar to the same time last year, it was done in clinical laboratories nationwide (approximately 540,000 vs. 265,000). More tests means more cases covered.

But there are warning signs that confirm this is a really bad season. Hospitalizations for flu are off the charts and rising rapidly.At a press conference on Monday, CDC director Rochelle Walensky said that already 78,000 flu hospitalizations This season, or nearly 17 out of 100,000 Americans. This is “the highest price we’ve seen in the last decade at this time of year,” she said. Consistent with past trends, her highest rate of hospitalization is among adults over the age of 65.

Kellen Landman and Lani Mora

What is particularly concerning about these high hospitalization rates is that, combined with the surge in other viruses, many people are sick enough to require hospitalization. Over the years are crammed into pediatric hospitals. Warenski also noted that there are signs that RSV infections are slowing in some parts of the country, but hospitalizations due to Covid-19 have recently begun. tick upward.

An important reason for the convergence of these viral waves is the low population-wide antibody levels against many common colds and flu. Pandemic-era precautions have delayed primary infection in many children.While this was good for the health of the individual child, it meant that more children than normal were more susceptible to severe infections when precautions were lifted. Details about the concept of and how it can be dangerously misunderstood here.)

Flu season curve could still flatten

Americans are also not doing everything they can to protect themselves from respiratory viruses. quarter Adult 40 percent Percentage of children vaccinated against influenza this season 15 percent One adult eligible for the updated Covid-19 booster dose received one dose.

This represents a missed opportunity for prevention. This year’s flu shot will be particularly effective because it matches well with flu strains that fluctuate from year to year, Wallenski said. But it only works if people understand it.

Furthermore, many prevention measures Proven effective It also helps prevent the spread of other respiratory diseases during the Covid-19 pandemic, but it is not widely used. was. Only a quarter of Americans have changed their behavior To reduce exposure to viruses. Also, a minority of Americans frequently wear masks outside their homes.

While the flu is raging, lack of medicine Efforts to prevent serious illness and treat bacterial infections that can follow some influenza infections are complicated. moreover, labor shortage As a result of the pandemic, children’s hospitals have been put in a position to care for massive waves of sick children. less resources They had more than they used to. Pediatric medical institutions national emergency declaration Nothing has been announced to support their response to this surge.

In the United States, influenza infection is usually Peak from December to FebruaryIt remains to be seen whether the current early flu surge will lead to an early flu peak.

After a tough few years, it’s not clear how much of the burden America’s healthcare system can absorb.