The number of flu cases for 2022 has reached 6 million so far, with 53,000 hospitalized and 29,000 dying.
The hospitalization rate for November is higher than every year since 2010-2011. Flu season usually starts in October and runs through May, according to iHeartRadio, but it started about six weeks early this year.
The numbers are only expected to rise as we reach December, with peak season being January-February. On top of flu cases, hospitals are also dealing with a larger-than-normal amount of child patients with respiratory illnesses. Some COVID-19 cases are being admitted as well.
Anyone over the age of 6 months is urged to get the vaccine for the flu and the current strains are similar to this year’s annual vaccine.
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