Flu and RSV Disrupt Schools, Cancel Events

Flu and RSV outbreaks are causing major disruptions across the U.S., forcing school closures and the cancellation of holiday events as respiratory illnesses surge. With over a dozen states reporting elevated levels of flu, RSV, and other respiratory viruses, experts are warning that this holiday season is proving to be one of the most severe in recent memory.

Widespread Respiratory Illness Activity Increases

The CDC’s latest data shows a rapid rise in flu, RSV, and other respiratory illnesses. For the week ending December 14, Oregon and Louisiana reported “very high” levels of activity, while California, Arizona, New York City, and several other states were classified as having “high” levels. The number of states experiencing these elevated levels has doubled in just one week, indicating a sharp increase in viral activity.

Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious diseases expert at Vanderbilt University, noted the sudden surge in flu cases:

“Flu has been increasing, but just this last week has exploded.”

School Closures and Event Cancellations

In response to the growing flu outbreak, schools in Alabama have been forced to take action. Sugar Creek Elementary School in Limestone County closed for three days to allow students and staff to recover and prevent further spread. The school also postponed its holiday events to next month due to the high number of illnesses in the community.

Similarly, in Hartselle, Alabama, the Rocky Acres Christmas Market was canceled after several vendors fell ill with the flu. Event organizers posted on social media:

“Due to multiple vendors having the FLU…we feel it’s best to CANCEL.”

Hospitalizations and Alarming Statistics

Nationally, flu-related hospitalizations spiked by 9,000 in just one week. Laboratory-confirmed flu cases increased by 9%, while outpatient visits for flu-like symptoms rose by 4%. Unfortunately, two more flu-related deaths were reported this week, bringing the total for the season to 1,000.

The CDC estimates nearly 2 million flu cases and 23,000 hospitalizations have occurred so far this season, with vaccination rates lower than expected. Only 41% of both adults and children have received the flu vaccine as of early December.

RSV Becomes a Growing Threat

RSV is also making an impact, particularly among children. Wastewater monitoring has shown a 160% increase in RSV activity between November 30 and December 14. States like Arkansas, Arizona, and Washington, D.C. are seeing particularly high levels of RSV, which leads to about 2.1 million outpatient visits annually for children under five.

The CDC estimates 22,000 to 45,000 RSV-related hospitalizations have occurred since October, with between 980 and 2,300 deaths attributed to the virus.

COVID-19 Complicates the Situation

COVID-19 is also contributing to the strain on hospitals, with an estimated 120,000 hospitalizations and 13,000 deaths from the virus since October. The CDC emphasizes that vaccinations remain the most effective defense against severe illness caused by flu, RSV, and COVID-19.

Vaccination and Prevention Recommendations

To protect against these viruses, the CDC recommends the following:

• Flu Vaccines: Available for everyone six months and older, and recommended annually.
• COVID-19 Vaccines: Stay current with the latest booster shots.
• RSV Vaccines:
  • Available for adults aged 75 and older, and for those 60–74 who are at higher risk.
  • RSV vaccines are also recommended for infants and young children at increased risk of severe illness.

Older adults, especially those in nursing homes, are particularly vulnerable to complications from these respiratory illnesses. During the 2021–2022 flu season, the death rate among those aged 65 and older was 7.4 per 100,000, compared to 0.1 per 100,000 in younger adults.

Return of Mask Mandates

Some hospitals have reintroduced mask mandates in response to the rising number of cases. The CDC also advises wearing masks during periods of increased community respiratory infections, particularly for those who are symptomatic or at higher risk. However, there is currently no recommendation for the general public to wear masks unless they are exhibiting symptoms.

Why This Flu Season Is Different

Experts believe the early and severe flu season is partly due to lower vaccination rates and reduced immunity from previous years of pandemic precautions. Dr. Wes Stubblefield of the Alabama Department of Public Health remarked:

“Our numbers have started to rise pretty dramatically over the last two to three weeks. We don’t know where the peak will end.”

Wastewater Surveillance as a Key Tool

Wastewater testing has become an essential tool in tracking the spread of respiratory viruses. The CDC uses this method to detect viruses in communities before clinical testing or doctor visits can provide results. This early detection system is especially valuable for tracking RSV and other illnesses.

Adapting to a Disrupted Holiday Season

The timing of these respiratory illness surges couldn’t be worse, as families and communities face school closures, canceled events, and increased health risks just as the holiday season begins.

Healthcare officials are urging people to take preventive measures:

• Get vaccinated.
• Wash hands frequently.
• Stay home if you feel unwell.
• Wear masks in crowded indoor spaces.

As the flu, RSV, and COVID-19 continue to affect large portions of the population, Americans will need to stay vigilant to keep themselves and their communities safe this holiday season.