Winter is a hard time for everyone, especially in New England. From the relentless snow and ice, to the frigid wind chills, one cannot deny that Winter is a struggle. A major factor in the arrival of the Winter Season is the Flu season, where cases of the influenza virus rise annually, due to the higher contingency of people being indoors, as well as the colder temperatures enabling the virus to survive longer, and stabilize easier. 

While everyone is aware of “flu season”, this year’s annual uptick in influenza cases has been like no other flu season in recent memory. That is because seasonal flu cases have hit a 15-year high this year—filling hospitals, shutting down schools, and leading to nearly 20,000 flu-related deaths so far in the United States. Notably, this is the first year the influenza virus has caused more deaths than Covid-19, since the start of the pandemic. According to the Center of Disease Control (CDC), the flu has contributed to 30 million illnesses, and nearly 400,000 hospitalizations on top of the near 20,000 flu related deaths up to this point. 

Unfortunately, we’re still in the midst of the surge, which there is no distinct reason for. William Schaffner, an infectious disease specialist at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, believes this surgance in flu cases can be from a number of factors. Take for example the unusually/extremely cold winter we have endured so far, driving even more individuals inside than typical flu seasons, or the fact there have been multiple strains of the flu virus peaking at similar points. Furthermore, this flu season is no longer softened by the social distancing, mask use and quarantining from Covid-19 that we have experienced in the previous 4 years, which had heavily reduced the spread of the influenza virus. All of these factors make this the worst flu season in 15 years.

With Spring break being at the forefront of most student’s minds, we encourage students to take all precautionary measures against the flu heading into March. This is in light of the expected surge of travel that comes with Spring Break as well as many other students returning home. Another brief peak in flu cases can be expected as we progress through March. Just because the weather is getting warmer does not mean the flu is going away as many college campuses, like Fitchburg State, have to prepare for this uptick as we return from break.

Precautionary measures as simple as covering your mouth when you cough with a tissue instead of your hand, avoiding touching your face, and consistently disinfecting both your hands and houses will help ensure you do not fall victim to this flu wave ravaging America. Plus, it’s not too late to get your flu vaccine, even as we head towards March! Yet, be extremely cautious if you are not feeling well, especially in light of this being the worst flu season in America in a very long time.