Flu Cases Continue Into Late Winter
How this year's flu season impacted our community
Even as we near the end of the 2024-25 flu season, there are still lingering cases of flu and surges in the virus occurring around us. Despite our hopes for warmer days ahead, occasional spikes in flu cases remind us that the season hasn’t entirely released its grip on our region and across the United States.
Influenza, also known as the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness that can infect the nose, throat and lungs. Effects of the disease can range from mild to severe, and in some cases can be fatal.
According to the CDC, seasonal influenza activity remains elevated nationally but has decreased in recent weeks. However, Tennessee has been hit particularly hard during this influenza season. While many states have started to see lower numbers of influenza cases, Tennessee remained listed as "Very High" in flu cases into late February. The CDC also shows that the number of people getting the flu vaccine across the nation this year is lower than in previous years.
The low influenza vaccination rate this season is concerning, as the vaccine protects
both yourself and others, particularly young children and those with chronic immunosuppressive
conditions.
The CDC states that getting the influenza vaccine can lower the risk of serious complications from the flu, in addition to limiting the spread of the virus to those who may be more at risk. Examples of those at higher risk for more severe flu symptoms include those with autoimmune diseases, diabetes and cancer. Talk to your doctor about your risk.
According to the CDC, only around 22.5% of adults in Tennessee have received an influenza vaccination.
This is less than half of the national average, with around 45.2% of adults getting
an influenza vaccine across the United States.
According to the Tennessee Department of Health, Northeast Tennessee had a much higher rate of influenza infection when compared to the rest of Tennessee. This is all the more reason for people to take precautions to limit their chances of catching and spreading the virus.
Here are a few tips from the CDC to protect yourself and others from the flu:
- Clean your hands with soap and water, or alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- When someone you know is showing signs of sickness, try to avoid close contact with that individual.
- If you catch the flu, it is best to stay home until the fever and symptoms have subsided for at least 24 hours.
As we near the end of flu season, it's vital to remain aware of ongoing cases. Vaccination plays a key role in protecting ourselves and those who are at higher risk in our region and beyond.