Influenza Spreading Rapidly in 40 States

The influenza virus is rapidly spreading in 40 states, and doctors are warning that the peak season is yet to come.

“What we typically see is that the peak of flu season occurs after about the third week in February,” Dr. Jack Ross told the Hartford Courant.

According to United Press International, Influenza A and B are spreading at a rate of 12,000 cases per week, and flu activity is exceptionally high in the states of Kansas, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina.

While many people instinctively blame winter as the main reason for the flu season (traditionally defined as October through March), research indicates that the weather is only guilty by association.

“Winter is generally a time when people spend most hours indoors, making the spread of the highly contagious virus easier,” wrote Eric DuVall.

Despite the recent uptick in influenza reports, doctors are still anticipating this year’s total illnesses to be normal.

“Everything points to an average flu year so far,” said Alan Siniscalchi, a flu surveillance coordinator for Connecticut’s health department. “We will know for certain how the overall flu mortality compares to other years in a month or so.”

In the meantime, doctors are advising that flu shots are still beneficial for the season. For other simple ideas to keep your homeschool family healthy this flu season, check out this common sense checklist compiled by Alpha Omega Publications.