Flu Kills 900 Americans in California with Current Test Positivity Rate at 23.3 Percent
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Feb 23, 2025 5 hours, 53 minutes ago
U.S. Medical News: A Severe Flu Season Claims Lives in California
The flu season in California has turned deadly, with over 900 fatalities reported so far, including 15 children. The alarming death toll makes this one of the worst flu outbreaks in recent years, according to the California Department of Public Health. Health officials have confirmed that 701 of the deceased were over the age of 64, reinforcing the well-known fact that influenza disproportionately affects older populations.
Flu Kills 900 Americans in California with Current Test Positivity Rate at 23.3 Percent
However, what is particularly concerning is the increasing number of children who have succumbed to the virus. The pediatric flu death count rose dramatically in just one week, with four more young victims reported by February 15. This U.S.
Medical News report highlights that flu is not just a threat to the elderly but also a serious risk to young children. Among the children lost to the flu this season were four teenagers from San Diego, none of whom had received flu vaccinations, according to health officials.
Declining Vaccination Rates Fueling the Outbreak
One of the major contributing factors to the severity of this flu season is the declining rate of vaccinations. According to national data, only about 45% of children aged 6 months to 17 years have been vaccinated against the flu this season, a sharp drop from the 58% vaccination rate recorded in the 2020-21 season. In California, the situation is even more concerning, with only 47.7% of children receiving flu shots - the lowest rate in at least five years.
Medical experts strongly recommend that everyone aged six months and older get vaccinated annually to reduce the risk of severe flu infections. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) emphasizes that the best time to receive the flu shot is by the end of October, though vaccination remains beneficial even later in the season. This year, the dominant flu strains are H1N1 - linked to the swine flu pandemic of 2009-2010 - and H3N2, which is notorious for causing more severe illness, particularly in young children and older adults.
Flu Deaths Surpass COVID-19 Fatalities
For the first time in years, flu-related deaths in California have surpassed COVID-19 fatalities. According to state health officials, the flu mortality rate has reached 3.4%, compared to the 1.3% death rate attributed to COVID-19. Additionally, influenza is responsible for more hospitalizations than COVID-19, with new flu admissions occurring at a rate four times higher than those for COVID-19. While respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity remains low and is decreasing, flu cases are still high, although recent reports suggest a slight downward trend in test positivity rates.
As of mid-February, the overall flu test positivity rate stood at a concerning 23.3%, though there has been a minor decrease of 3.4% compared to previous weeks. Despite this slight improvement, experts caution that the flu season is far from over. Influenza activity typically peaks between December and Fe
bruary but can extend into April or even later in some cases. Public health officials stress that while the current trend may show a slight decline, it is too soon to assume the worst is over.
The Urgent Need for Prevention and Awareness
Given the ongoing severity of the flu season, health authorities continue to encourage vaccination and other preventive measures. Beyond vaccination, people are advised to take basic precautions such as frequent handwashing, avoiding close contact with sick individuals, and staying home if experiencing flu symptoms. Hospitals have also been reinforcing flu prevention protocols to manage the influx of patients, particularly those in high-risk groups, such as young children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing health conditions.
California has seen a significant increase in flu-related deaths compared to previous seasons. By this time last year, about 500 deaths had been recorded, while the year before saw approximately 600 fatalities. This season's death toll of 900 marks a dramatic surge, with experts estimating that such high numbers have not been seen in a decade.
Conclusion
The current flu season in California is proving to be one of the deadliest in recent years, with over 900 deaths and a high-test positivity rate of 23.3%. The disproportionate impact on both older adults and young children highlights the critical importance of flu vaccination, which has seen a sharp decline. Health officials warn that the season is not over, and while cases may be slightly decreasing, the virus is known for its prolonged presence well into spring. The fact that flu deaths have now surpassed COVID-19 fatalities further emphasizes the urgency of preventive measures. As the situation continues to evolve, it is essential for the public to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions.
The latest Californian Respiratory Virus Weekly Report van be found here:
https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/CDPH%20Document%20Library/Respiratory-Viruses/Respiratory-Virus-Report/RespiratoryVirusReportWeek7.pdf
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