Each year flu season in the United States causes millions of cases and thousands of corresponding flu-related hospitalizations and deaths. Most common during the fall and winter months, flu viruses tend to begin circulating in October and can persist until as late as May. However, it isn’t possible to predict the exact timing and nature of flu activity. In recent years, the co-circulation of the COVID-19 virus and the introduction of subsequent protective measures such as masking have contributed to dwindling flu case counts.
A recent blog post from the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) discusses different public health strategies and trending legislative items to reduce flu-related illness and death and posits thoughts for the flu season ahead.