United States: For the first time since before the pandemic, influenza has proven deadlier than COVID-19 in California, making this flu season one of the most severe of the 21st century.   

While COVID-19 cases remain relatively low across the state, flu infections continue to surge, particularly affecting young children and older adults, according to the California Department of Public Health.   

Since the flu season began in the fall and peaked in early February, at least 751 people in California have lost their lives to influenza as of February 8, based on death certificate data. Among them, 563 were seniors aged 64 and older, while 11 were under the age of 18, including several teenagers, as per patch.com. 

Severe Complications and Hospitalizations Rising   

Many flu patients are being hospitalized due to severe complications, some of which are life-threatening. In critical pediatric cases, neurological complications such as brain swelling have been reported. Meanwhile, among adults, doctors are noticing a rise in pneumonia cases linked to MRSA—a dangerous, antibiotic-resistant bacteria often referred to as a “flesh-eating superbug,” CNN reports.   

Dr. John Lynch, an infectious disease specialist at UW Medicine, explained the seriousness of these infections:   

“We’re seeing a lot of MRSA pneumonia following influenza, and in severe cases, it’s necrotizing—meaning the lung tissue is being destroyed,” he told CNN.   

Flu Spreading Rapidly Across California   

The flu continues to spread at alarmingly high rates across the state. It accounts for nearly 27 percent of all clinical lab detections and 3.4 percent of total deaths for the week ending February 8, according to the most recent data.   

The Walgreens Flu Index, which tracks flu activity based on prescription records, indicates that flu cases across the US are currently 204 percent higher than they were at the same time last year.   

Health Experts Urge Precautions   

Health officials are more concerned about the increasing number of hospitalizations and outpatient visits than just the raw number of flu cases, as per patch.com. 

“What’s most alarming is not just the number of infections but the number of people ending up in the hospital,” said Anita Pael, Vice President of Pharmacy Services at Walgreens, in a news release. “I don’t believe we’ve hit the peak yet. That’s why it’s essential to wash hands frequently, and if symptoms appear, get tested immediately.”   

Most flu cases this season have been caused by influenza A, which tends to hit children and the elderly the hardest. Both H1 and H3 strains are actively circulating, according to state health officials.   

Flu activity initially peaked statewide in mid-December but started rising again in mid-January, reaching its highest levels in early February.   

It’s Not Too Late to Get Vaccinated   

Despite the ongoing flu surge, many Californians have yet to get vaccinated. According to the CDC, only about 45 percent of adults have received their flu shot this season.   

Health experts emphasize that it’s not too late to get vaccinated. In addition, they recommend washing hands frequently, staying home when sick, and wearing masks around vulnerable individuals to help reduce the spread, according to patch.com. 

Antiviral medications are available to treat the flu, but they are most effective when taken at the first signs of illness.   

As flu season continues to take a toll, health officials stress the importance of taking preventive measures to protect both individuals and communities.