Flu deaths in U.S. reach seven-year high

Flu-related deaths in the United States have reached a seven-year high during January and February. This surge in fatalities is attributed to increasing vaccine skepticism among the public and in political circles. According to a recent analysis of federal data, nearly 9,800 deaths were linked to the flu during the first two months of this year. This is a significant increase from approximately 5,000 deaths in the same time frame last year. Experts are worried that delayed planning for next season's flu vaccine could worsen the situation. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand from New York said her state is facing its worst flu season in 15 years. Hospitals are strained by the influx of flu patients. Dr. Akram Khan, a pulmonologist, warned that putting off vaccine preparations undermines public confidence in vaccination efforts. U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. has expressed doubts about the necessity of flu vaccines. Some experts believe that misinformation and political distrust are contributing to low vaccination rates. Federal statistics reveal that flu vaccine distribution has dropped significantly, down 16% from 2022. The hardest-hit areas have been in Oklahoma, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, and Kentucky. Most of the flu-related deaths have occurred among older adults, particularly affecting white individuals and American Indians. Stories of tragedy are emerging nationwide, including an Indiana father who died after a brief illness and three elderly church members who passed away in Florida. In Burlington County, New Jersey, the death rate from flu is the highest in the country. Local health officials organized multiple free vaccine clinics to combat the outbreak. Despite efforts to promote vaccine safety, states like Oklahoma, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas report some of the lowest vaccination rates in the nation. Overall, public health officials urge residents to get vaccinated to help reduce the risk of flu-related deaths, even as vaccine skepticism continues to grow.