According to the CDC, flu-related ER visits have increased nationwide, surpassing high levels in certain states last year. Although a “tripledemic” recurrence is improbable, experts point out that this season’s flu epidemic is posing a significant public health threat.
Flu-related ER visits have skyrocketed, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting “very high” levels nationwide. Similar to the 2019–2020 season, the flu season is arriving later than in previous years and peaks around the New Year.
Some of the worst flu outbreaks are occurring in Western states, including Oregon. With 8.4% of ER visits involving the flu in December, flu cases in Oregon alone were more than three times greater than the peak from the previous year.
Compared to 251 occurrences at the same period previous year, nearly 1,100 flu cases were treated in November and December 2024, according to Sara Hottman, spokesman for Oregon Health & Science University Hospital.
Fears of another “tripledemic”—a confluence of COVID-19, RSV, and flu—have mostly subsided nationwide. Even while COVID-19 instances are starting to increase in some places, they are still considerably below the peak numbers from last winter.
COVID levels recently moved from “moderate” to “high,” according to wastewater surveillance, but specialists say the lack of a novel immune-escape variation reduces the possibility of sharp jumps.
Health officials continue to encourage vigilance, especially among vulnerable populations, as hospitals deal with the continuous surge of flu cases.
In order to lessen the effects of this difficult flu season, vaccinations and preventative measures are still essential.
