The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has officially declared the start of the flu season, noting significant increases in flu cases across the United States as of December 20, 2024.

Currently, there is no dominant flu strain, and it remains too early to evaluate the effectiveness of this year's flu vaccine.

Vaccination rates are concerningly low this year, with only about 41% of adults and children vaccinated against the flu, a decline from previous years.

Flu experts are urging individuals to get vaccinated, particularly ahead of holiday gatherings, which heighten the risk of respiratory virus transmission.

The importance of vaccination is underscored by data showing that 80% of children who died from flu-related complications were not fully vaccinated.

Critics of the Louisiana health department's recent policy shift, which advises against recommending flu and COVID-19 vaccinations, warn that this could lead to increased illness and preventable deaths.

In Louisiana, health officials are reporting a significant surge in flu-related illnesses, with many parents missing work due to sickness.

The Nashville area in Tennessee has also seen a notable spike in flu-like symptoms, contributing to a broader trend where thirteen states reported high levels of flu-like illnesses.

Complicating matters, other respiratory viruses such as COVID-19 and RSV are also circulating, causing similar symptoms and posing risks, particularly for vulnerable populations.

While COVID-19 hospitalizations are decreasing nationally, they remain high in the Midwest, and RSV activity is low overall but elevated in the South.

Last winter's flu season was classified as moderate, lasting 21 weeks and resulting in an estimated 28,000 flu-related deaths, including a record 205 pediatric deaths.

The controversial stance of Louisiana's health department has raised concerns among public health advocates about the potential consequences of lower vaccination rates.