CDC Director Warns Flu Season Could Be ‘Severe’ This Year—Here’s Why, and How to Protect Yourself

Last year’s drastically low number of flu cases may play a part.

Amid the prevailing concerns about the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it is imperative to recognize that our attention should not be solely fixated on this infectious disease. The approaching flu season for 2022-2023 demands our vigilance, as it potentially heralds a greater severity compared to recent years.

These cautionary insights stem from the astute observations of Dr. Rochelle Walensky, a distinguished figure at the helm of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). On the 6th of October, 2021, during a press briefing by the White House COVID-19 Response Team and other public health authorities, Dr. Walensky expounded upon this looming concern.

In elucidating the gravity of the situation, Dr. Walensky highlighted the unique circumstances of the previous year. The stringent measures implemented to counteract the COVID-19 pandemic, such as mask mandates and physical distancing, inadvertently suppressed the spread of influenza. Resultantly, the occurrences of flu cases remained notably low. However, this respite came with a caveat. The protective measures, while effective against COVID-19, engendered a reduction in the population’s immunity to the seasonal flu—a pivotal factor that might potentially precipitate an intense flu season this year.

Analyzing the data disseminated by the CDC underscores the magnitude of this deviation from the norm. The timeframe spanning October 3, 2020, to July 24, 2021, witnessed a mere 2,136 positive flu tests out of an astonishing 1.3 million clinical specimens subjected to testing. To contextualize this, a mere 736 deaths were attributed to influenza during this period. In stark contrast, the 2019-2020 flu season bore witness to an estimated 35 million flu-related illnesses and a harrowing 20,000 deaths linked to the flu, as stipulated by the CDC’s records.

In order to preempt the eventuality of an exacerbated flu season that could potentially strain healthcare resources, Dr. Walensky made a resounding call to action. She advocated not only for the yearly flu shot but also urged individuals to secure their COVID-19 vaccinations, if not already administered. This counsel was fortified by the existing state of healthcare facilities, as some hospitals were still grappling with high patient loads due to COVID-19.

Dr. Walensky accentuated the perils by elucidating the dire statistics—annually, the United States witnesses 140,000 to 710,000 hospitalizations linked to influenza. It is a toll that demands concerted endeavors to forestall. It is worth noting that the convergence of a potentially severe flu season with the persistent exhaustion from COVID-19’s impact could exacerbate the challenges. Dr. Richard Watkins, an esteemed infectious disease specialist and a professor of internal medicine, contends that the higher activity of individuals outside their homes, coupled with COVID-19 complacency, elevates the risk of contracting the flu.

Nevertheless, it is essential to acknowledge that the foreseen gravity of the flu season is still speculative in nature. Dr. Amesh A. Adalja, a noted medical expert, draws a parallel to the experiences of the southern hemisphere’s flu season, which usually precedes ours due to their reversed seasons. Given their recent light flu season, it might offer a glimpse into the potential trajectory of our own.

Safeguarding oneself and the collective welfare necessitates a consistent and comprehensive approach. The established practices of wearing masks, adhering to social distancing norms, and maintaining rigorous hand hygiene remain vital deterrents against not only the flu but also COVID-19 and other viral ailments. Dr. Watkins reaffirms these precautions as instrumental in mitigating risks.

Undoubtedly, the significance of immunization cannot be understated. Both the COVID-19 and flu vaccines hold the key to bolstering defenses against these pervasive pathogens. Dr. Walensky resoundingly asserts the safety of simultaneous administration of these vaccines. She further accentuates the imperative of mass immunization, particularly for vulnerable demographics—individuals aged 65 and above, those with chronic health conditions, and young children below the age of five who are at heightened risk of severe flu complications.

In the holistic endeavor to fortify public health, the intersection of these dual threats serves as an emphatic reminder of the imperative need for an even more proactive, sustained, and resolute dedication to an extensive array of preventive measures and comprehensive vaccination strategies. The profound insights gleaned from the unprecedented experiences of the preceding years not only furnish us with invaluable knowledge but also serve as a compass to navigate the intricate terrain that the impending flu season could potentially unveil.

As we stand on the precipice of this critical juncture, the weight of collective responsibility cannot be overstated. A multifaceted approach that amalgamates the wisdom amassed from battling COVID-19 with the time-honored tactics to combat influenza forms a robust shield against the foreseeable challenges. The synergy between the lessons learned from the pandemic’s trials and the age-old practices of mitigating flu transmission enables us to forge a comprehensive strategy that transcends the boundaries of individual diseases. It is a testament to human resilience and adaptability that we can wield our evolving understanding of viral dynamics to curtail the impact of these illnesses.

One poignant insight arising from the aforementioned confluence is the vital role that individual choices play in the grand tapestry of public health. The onus of responsibility extends to every member of society, irrespective of age, background, or status. By conscientiously adhering to the trifecta of mask-wearing, social distancing, and meticulous hand hygiene, we contribute to a collective defense mechanism that blunts the transmissible potential of both influenza and COVID-19. This is not merely a responsibility but a privilege—a testament to our capacity to influence the trajectory of these diseases.

In this symbiotic endeavor, the significance of immunizations assumes paramount importance. The potent shield afforded by vaccinations has been repeatedly demonstrated throughout medical history. Embracing the twin guardians of COVID-19 and influenza vaccines presents an unprecedented opportunity to fortify our defenses. Dr. Walensky’s resolute affirmation of the safety of administering these vaccines in tandem speaks to the symbiotic nature of this protection. The seamless integration of these vaccinations within our healthcare regimen symbolizes a harmonious response to the entwined threats, amplifying our potential to foster a healthier future.

Amid the intricacies of these evolving health dynamics, the wisdom gleaned from distant hemispheres offers us a glimpse of what lies ahead. The experience of the southern hemisphere, which has already traversed its flu season, beckons us to heed its lessons. A light flu season in those regions may augur a similar outcome in our own. However, this is not a deterministic blueprint but rather a ray of hope—evidence that our collective efforts can sway the trajectory of viral diseases.

As we embark on this collective mission, it is crucial to cast our gaze beyond the immediacy of the challenges. A broader perspective unveils the profound societal implications of our endeavors. By curbing the virulence of influenza and COVID-19, we alleviate the strain on healthcare systems, freeing resources to cater to other medical needs. The potential synergy between diminished flu cases and reduced COVID-19 hospitalizations constitutes a dual victory—a victory that resonates far beyond the confines of medical facilities, permeating the very fabric of our communities.

In summation, the juncture we find ourselves in beckons for a unity of purpose, a convergence of knowledge, and an unwavering commitment to safeguarding the health and well-being of our society. The convergence of COVID-19 and influenza underscores the delicate balance upon which public health teeters. Through an amalgamation of preventive measures, steadfast vaccinations, and the profound lessons of the past, we stand poised to deftly navigate the complexities of the upcoming flu season. Our collective endeavor, resonating with the echoes of countless individual choices, is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power we wield to shape our future. As the pages of history unfold, may they record our valiant efforts in unison, inscribing a narrative of triumph over adversity and a resolute commitment to the holistic betterment of humankind.