Flu season hits hard in South MS, where cases have been ‘rampant’ and rates remain high
The 2024-25 flu season has brought the highest number of cases since 2009, by some estimates, with South Mississippi health care workers still seeing an influx of patients.
The latest data from the Centers for Disease Control, published March 1, show cases remain high in Mississippi.
Gary Porter, advanced practice coordinator for Memorial Hospital’s Clinic Operations, said walk-in clinics have seen an uptick in cases. She said it’s not too late to get a flu vaccination.
“If you’re able to get that vaccination, that is high priority,” Porter said.
While cases are trending downward in March, CDC data shows, the high numbers this season still warrant precautions such as frequent hand-washing and avoiding contact with others when sick.
Porter said Influenza A has been the most common strain of the virus. Symptoms include chills, fever, headaches, body aches, coughing and fatigue. Some individuals also experience nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
The Centers for Disease Control has classified this season as “high severity” for all ages, the first since 2017-2018.
“Data to date suggests the season has peaked; however, flu-related medical visits, hospitalizations, and deaths remain elevated, and CDC expects several more weeks of flu activity,” the agency reports on its website.
Prescriptions ease flu symptoms
The cumulative hospitalization rate, the CDC says, is the highest it has been since 2010-2011. With cases declining for three consecutive weeks by March 1, the CDC says, the seasonal illness appears to have peaked.
Bob Sawyer, chairman of Memorial’s Board of Trustees and an emergency room volunteer, said he’s seeing fewer patients in the emergency room than he did a couple of weeks ago, when rooms were full and patients lined the hall. Still, many people are falling ill, he said.
“I wouldn’t step foot in a hospital without a mask right now,” he said. “It is so rampant.”
The CDC has reported 40 million illnesses, 520,000 hospitalizations, and 22,000 deaths.
The National Foundation for Infectious Diseases says this data suggest 2024-25 will wind up as the worst flu season since 2009, when the swine flu pandemic hit.
Young children, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems are most likely to experience complications or death.
Porter said a prescription for anti-viral medication, taken within the first 48 hours of the onset of symptoms, can reduce symptoms and the length of the illness. She said Memorial has telehealth appointments available for those who prefer.
