As families count down to Christmas, flu cases across the U.S. are climbing and doctors are urging parents to take extra precautions before gatherings, travel, and school breaks.
Per the latest Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data for the week ending Dec. 6, nearly 3 million flu cases have already been reported nationwide this season, with at least 30,000 hospitalizations and 1,200 deaths. Several states, including Colorado, Louisiana, and New York, are seeing especially high activity. Some school districts have even shifted to remote learning or closed early after large numbers of students called out sick.
This year’s dominant strain is a newer subclade K variant of the H3N2 influenza virus, which has been circulating internationally since summer. While it isn’t a perfect match for this season’s flu shot, health officials still say vaccination remains one of the most important tools for protection, especially for young children, older adults, pregnant people, and those with chronic conditions.
“Data from the U.K. shows us that the vaccine can decrease hospitalizations in kids by about 70-75%, in adults by about 30-40%,” ABC News chief medical correspondent Dr. Tara Narula said recently on Good Morning America. “[It’s] really important for people to get the vaccine, especially before travel coming up.”
She also noted that “… it takes about two weeks to build up those antibodies,” making timing especially important ahead of holiday plans.
For families traveling over the break, the AAA estimates more than 122 million Americans will do so between Dec. 20 and Jan. 1, experts recommend simple but effective habits: frequent handwashing, disinfecting high-touch surfaces, and masking when needed.
Packing alcohol-based hand sanitizer, extra face masks, and disinfecting wipes can help reduce exposure during flights and long drives. If someone in your household feels sick, wearing a mask or postponing travel altogether can help protect others.
