The current flu season has peaked with infection rates higher than any other since the swine flu pandemic of 2009-2020. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that positive tests for influenza and respiratory illnesses are both up, with influenza A(H1N1) and A(H3N2) as the most predominant viruses reported during the week ending February 1. 

While flu activity is greatest in the South, a total of 43 states have reported high or very high flu activity. CDC estimates that, so far this season, the flu has resulted in approximately 24 million illnesses, 310,000 hospitalizations, and 13,000 deaths. In fact, in January, flu deaths surpassed COVID deaths for the first time since the beginning of the pandemic. 

While flu-related hospitalizations are up for people of all ages, the highest rate is among older adults (those aged 65 and older), followed by those between the ages of 50 and 64. 

A timely new study revealed that older adults were less likely to die from the flu when they took oseltamivir (Tamiflu) during hospitalization. This held true whether or not they had previously received a flu vaccine.

Other viral infections can be mistaken for the flu, suggesting the value of testing to confirm diagnosis.