While COVID-19 cases have significantly declined this winter, California is grappling with a severe flu outbreak. The state’s flu season is proving to be one of the worst in recent years, with a surge in hospitalizations and deaths, reflecting a national trend.
Flu Cases Surge Across California
According to the California Department of Public Health’s latest report, flu activity remains high and continues to rise, while cases of COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) remain relatively low. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) places California among the states experiencing “very high” flu transmission rates, with a flu positivity rate of 27.8% as of February 1—only slightly behind the national average of 31.6%.
Major cities in the Bay Area, including San Francisco, San Jose, and Palo Alto, have reported elevated flu levels, according to WastewaterSCAN, a Stanford-run program monitoring viruses in wastewater. Statewide, flu-related hospitalizations are also climbing, with roughly 10 out of every 100,000 residents requiring medical care for severe flu symptoms.
Flu-Related Deaths on the Rise
The flu has already claimed 561 lives in California this season, surpassing the 432 deaths recorded during the 2023-2024 winter respiratory virus season. These fatalities now account for around 2% of reported flu cases, highlighting the severity of this year’s outbreak.
Despite these alarming figures, experts note that flu seasons naturally fluctuate, with some years being more severe than others. Dr. John Swartzberg, a clinical professor emeritus at UC Berkeley’s School of Public Health, emphasized that while this season is particularly harsh, such patterns have been observed before.
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What’s Behind This Season’s Intensity?
Health experts point to multiple factors contributing to the heightened flu activity.
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Stronger Flu Strains – This season, the dominant flu strains are H1 and H3, both of which are known for causing more severe symptoms. As a result, more individuals are seeking medical attention, leading to higher reported case numbers.
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Reduced Preventative Measures – With COVID-19 restrictions easing, fewer people are wearing masks, practicing social distancing, or taking other precautions that previously helped limit the spread of respiratory illnesses.
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Increased Social Activity – Unlike the early pandemic years when public gatherings were limited, people are now attending crowded events, dining indoors, and traveling, creating more opportunities for flu transmission.
How to Protect Yourself
The flu season typically peaks between late fall and early spring, and experts warn that cases could continue rising through March. Common flu symptoms include fever, chills, cough, sore throat, fatigue, and body aches. In severe cases, the flu can lead to pneumonia or other serious complications, particularly for high-risk groups such as young children, seniors, pregnant individuals, and those with weakened immune systems.
The best defense against the flu remains vaccination. While the flu shot may not completely prevent infection, it significantly reduces the risk of severe illness and hospitalization. Health officials urge those who haven’t received a flu vaccine yet to do so, as it remains effective even late in the season.
Although California’s flu season is far from over, taking preventive measures—such as getting vaccinated, washing hands frequently, and avoiding close contact with sick individuals—can help reduce the spread of the virus in the weeks ahead.
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