High AND Very High Levels of flu-like Activity

I'm sure most of us have already dealt with the cold that was going around as soon as temperatures dropped this season, and with the pandemic, we are all tired of hearing about contagious illnesses. However, with two-thirds of states are reporting "high" or "very high" levels of flu activity, I think it's worth acknowledging that we may need to begin taking more precautions and preventative measures to slow down the spread. 

ABC News, CDC

For some perspective, the CDC reports that this time last year, all states were reporting only "low" or "moderate", so these numbers are quite alarming. This year, flu season began earlier than usual "causing hospital beds to fill up quickly" something hospitals were recently challenged with (Benadjaoud, Egan, & Kekatos 2022). With hospitalizations and deaths reaching an alarming amount, I think this should be the part when we start taking precautions. The first thing one would obviously suggest is to encourage people to go get vaccinated, however the CDC is reporting most influenza viruses tested match well to this season's influenza vaccine. Alongside the early flu season, 78% of pediatric beds are already being filled up by a pediatric surge of respiratory illness, according to data retrieved from the Department of Health and Human Services. 

The percentages of people vaccinated in compared to last year are not too far off, meaning the only thing to blame for the higher reports of flu-like activity can only be linked to the early start of the flu season, but what do we blame for that? Why did flu season start so early this year? What do you guys think? 😅