In a startling turn of events, doctors nationwide report that the flu season has begun earlier than expected, with a surge of cases that is disproportionately affecting children. The early arrival has left emergency departments brimming with young patients, and the situation is escalating across several states.
Colorado: A Hot Spot of Flu Activity
Colorado has emerged as one of the nation’s current hot spots of flu activity, according to the latest report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Dr. Suchitra Rao, an infectious disease specialist at Children’s Hospital Colorado in Aurora, says, “I don’t think I ever remember seeing it this severe, this soon,” adding that “our emergency department is full of kids coming in with the flu.” Her words underscore the intensity of the outbreak in the state and suggest that many parents are surprised by the early intensity.
Michigan and Other States See Rising Cases
Michigan is also experiencing a marked increase in cases. Dr. Debra Langlois, a pediatrician at University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital in Ann Arbor, describes the situation as, “Flu, flu, flu. So much flu.” She and her colleagues report being inundated with patients, indicating that the surge is not limited to a single region. Similar patterns are emerging in New Orleans, where Dr. John Schieffelin, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at Tulane University School of Medicine, notes a comparable trend. “The kids who are vaccinated are doing just fine recovering at home,” he says, “It’s the unvaccinated children that we’re seeing in the hospital.” His observation points to the protective effect of vaccination in this early wave.
Symptoms and Clinical Observations
Langlois reports that she and her team are seeing a fair amount of classic flu symptoms: fevers, body aches, and extreme fatigue. She also notes an increase in severe headaches and dizziness, particularly among younger patients. One of her 7-year-old daughters described the dizziness as, “I feel dizzy, like I’m spinning when I’m trying to walk.” Dehydration is suspected as a likely cause, according to Langlois. Other gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea are also being observed. While these can arise from a secondary virus, Langlois advises that children with “persistent” fevers lasting two to three days should seek medical attention promptly.
Common Symptoms
- Fever
- Body aches
- Extreme fatigue
- Severe headaches
- Dizziness
- Vomiting and diarrhea (possible secondary virus)
Tamiflu Demand Surges Amid Rising Cases
The demand for the antiviral drug Tamiflu has climbed sharply as the flu season progresses. Pharmacies report that when given within the first 24 hours or so of flu symptoms, Tamiflu can make people feel better about a day earlier than expected. A Walgreens spokesperson stated that the chain is experiencing “very high demand” nationwide. The company had its supply run low but has since ordered additional stock.
According to the Walgreens Respiratory Index-a weekly online tool that tracks the spread of respiratory illnesses-over-the-counter at-home flu tests have jumped 61% nationwide over the last two weeks. In New York state, where flu activity is considered very high by the CDC, week-over-week demand is up 23%, while the two-week increase stands at 111%.
Antonio Ciaccia, president of 3 Axis Advisory, notes that independent pharmacies across the U.S. are struggling to meet Tamiflu demand. “We are seeing an early heavy wave of flu cases, which is likely pushing a bit of unexpected pressure on the broader drug distribution channel and its supply,” he said.
Steve Moore, who runs an independent pharmacy in Plattsburgh, New York, reports that his primary supplier is not experiencing shortages of Tamiflu, but his backup supplier is currently out of stock. These supply-chain challenges highlight the strain the early flu wave is placing on medication availability.
Tamiflu’s Role and Limitations
While Tamiflu can be helpful, Langlois cautions that it is no “miracle cure.” The antiviral is authorized for people two weeks and older and is most effective when given within the first 48 hours of flu symptoms. “The thing to think about for Tamiflu is that it shortens the duration of symptoms by about a day,” she explains. “It’s really best reserved for high-risk patients, like patients with chronic lung disease, and young kiddos under age two.”
Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, an infectious disease specialist at UCSF, emphasizes the importance of prevention. “If you’re sick, stay home,” he advises, echoing Langlois’s recommendation that the best defense is getting the flu shot.
Vaccination and Public Health Recommendations
The CDC recommends annual flu vaccines for everyone six months and older. Doctors warn that children who are sick with flu now could spread it to grandparents and other older adults over the holidays. “At the risk of being a Grinch, if you have the flu and you actively have fevers, then you should stay home. Don’t go to family gatherings,” says Dr. Bernard Camins, medical director for infection prevention at Mount Sinai Health System in New York City. His advice underscores the need for cautious behavior during the holiday season.
Key Takeaways
- The flu season began earlier than usual, with a surge that is disproportionately affecting children across multiple states.
- Colorado and Michigan are among the most affected, with emergency departments overwhelmed by young patients.
- Classic flu symptoms-fever, body aches, fatigue-are common, but severe headaches, dizziness, and gastrointestinal issues are also reported.
- Demand for Tamiflu and at-home flu tests has risen sharply, straining supply chains and pharmacy inventories.
- Vaccination remains the most effective tool; Tamiflu should be reserved for high-risk patients and given within 48 hours of symptom onset.
In the face of this early and intense flu wave, healthcare providers and public health officials urge parents to keep their children home when sick, to seek medical care promptly for persistent fevers, and to ensure that everyone eligible receives a flu shot. The combination of vigilant clinical care and widespread vaccination will be key to mitigating the impact of this season’s outbreak.
