AI-powered
podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Science Friday
Why Are Flu And Other Viral Infection Rates So High This Year?
Feb 25, 2025
Dr. Katelyn Jetelina, an epidemiologist known for her newsletter "Your Local Epidemiologist," and Dr. Erica Shenoy, the Chief of Infection Control at Mass General Brigham, discuss the alarming spike in flu and other viral infections this winter. They explore factors contributing to the surge, like low vaccination rates and weakened immunity. The experts also examine how the COVID-19 pandemic has reshaped public awareness of viral threats and the challenges in monitoring bird flu. Their insights illuminate the critical state of public health during this troubling season.
18:09
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- This winter's viral season has seen flu cases rise to levels not experienced since the 1990s, exacerbated by waning immunity and aggressive strains.
- The high incidence of various viral infections emphasizes the need for early intervention and raises concerns about potential co-infections impacting public health.
Deep dives
Surge in Viral Illnesses
This year has witnessed an unprecedented spike in viral illnesses, particularly flu cases, which are reaching levels not seen since the 1990s. Hospitalization rates for flu have surged to the highest point in 15 years, with flu deaths surpassing those from COVID-19 for the first time since the pandemic began. Factors contributing to this severe flu season include waning population immunity due to lower vaccination rates among children and the circulation of more aggressive strains of the virus. The current flu strain, H3N1, poses significant challenges for existing vaccines, further exacerbating the public health crisis.
Get the Snipd
podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered
Discover
highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any
moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share
& Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered
podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover
highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode