Science Friday Why Are Flu And Other Viral Infection Rates So High This Year?
11 snips
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.
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Severe Flu Season
- This flu season has seen higher infection rates than in decades, with hospitalizations at a 15-year high.
- Flu deaths have also surpassed COVID deaths for the first time since the pandemic began.
Reasons for a Bad Flu Year
- Several factors contribute to a severe flu season, including waning population immunity and lower vaccination rates among children.
- The effectiveness of this year's flu vaccine is also limited due to the prevalence of the H3N1 strain.
Norovirus Surge
- Norovirus, a highly contagious stomach bug, has also seen a surge this year.
- This is likely due to mutations in the virus that allow it to evade existing immunity.