First, the bad news: This flu and respiratory season might be another bad one, according to the AARP.
Influenza activity from the Southern Hemisphere, which can help experts predict flu seasons in North America, was high again this year. While Australia's flu season was somewhat less severe than last year, cases still spiked early, and according to the Conversation, declined slower than expected. According to Mayo Clinic epidemiologist Gregory Poland, M.D., the U.S. won't necessarily see the same trajectory, but there's still reason for concern. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's current modeling shows that in this part of the world, the fall and winter respiratory disease season will look similar to last year, with higher-than-average flu-related hospitalizations.
Now the good news: Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, will likely fall to normal levels after a severe 2022-23 season. Experts believe that the population will be more resistant to the virus, and new immunizations provide extra protection for seniors and infants. The CDC also encourages influenza vaccines for all eligible Americans to help reduce severe disease and lower the overall number of hospitalizations.
