A CDC report on the traditionally deadly flu of last winter

Last year's flu season was one of the worst we've seen in decades, with nearly 80,000 influenza-related deaths and the highest hospitalization rate in history modern. But new estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) give us an even clearer idea of ​​the severity of last year's flu season.

A CDC report released this week estimated that vaccination coverage among adults during the 2017-18 influenza season was 37.1%, down 6.2 points from the previous season, which represents the lowest rate of vaccination coverage since the 2010-2011 season. . He estimates that 48.8 million people have contracted the flu, with 959,000 hospitalizations and 79,000 deaths.

In addition, the CDC said last season was particularly "atypical" as it was serious for people of all ages.

The burden of influenza and hospitalization rates related to influenza are generally higher among the very young and the very old. Although this was true during the 2017-2018 season, hospitalization rates in all age groups were the highest seasonal rates since 2005, hospital-based surveillance was extended to all ages.

The 2017-2018 influenza season has broken records on several fronts. In addition to the extremely high number of hospitalizations, last year's influenza season resulted in 180 pediatric deaths, the highest number ever since the CDC adopted their current surveillance method.

While data is based on a previous September report, estimates released on Thursday provide new information on the magnitude of last year's influenza season, particularly with regard to the number of sick people and the number of people sick. hospitalizations.

"Last year was a horrible season," said Daniel Jernigan, head of the CDC's Influenza Division, at a news conference last month. "It was just a huge amount of disease."

The CDC reported that an estimated 48.8 million people are diseased in 11.5 million cases of influenza in children, 30 million cases of influenza in adults of working age (aged 18 to 64) and more than 7.3 million cases in adults 65 years and older. age or older.

The CDC notes that its findings are inconsistent with preliminary data estimates from other sources, which it says have not shown a decrease in the number of influenza vaccinations. He also noted that the limitations of his survey included "confidence in self-reporting of immunization status and decreased response rates". Despite possible data limitations, the CDC said that vaccination coverage against influenza in adults remains low.

"As the 2018-19 season unfolds, it's important for providers to prioritize influenza immunization for their patients," said the CDC. "This includes reminders to clients when flu vaccine supplies are available, an assessment of the status of vaccination at each visit, an effective recommendation for vaccination and the provision of the vaccine."

This should remind us that washing your hands and avoiding coughing and coughing can not go that far. While we can not be 100% sure why last year's flu season was so bad, it's worth remembering that being vaccinated is a pretty safe way to avoid the flu.