NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WFSB) – Connecticut is experiencing one of the worst flu seasons on record, with doctors reporting they have never seen this many cases this early in the season.
Nearly 14,000 flu cases have been reported across the state since the flu season began in October, according to the Connecticut Department of Public Health. Medical professionals say the numbers are expected to continue climbing as people return to work and children go back to school after the holidays.
“We’re in the thick of it. We’re seeing really high flu numbers. We actually have 10 times the number hospitalized for flu than for COVID or RSV,” said Dr. Scott Roberts, associate medical director for infection prevention at Yale New Haven Hospital.
Children are driving much of the surge, with urgent care centers reporting that youngsters appear to be the sickest patients.
“This is the highest flu season I’ve ever seen. It’s almost as bad as COVID,” said Cathleen Azarigian, a nurse practitioner with AFC Urgent Care in New Haven.
Terri Robertson, also with AFC Urgent Care, said the facility is seeing massive numbers of very sick people, particularly children.
“The other day, on Christmas Eve, at one of our other centers, I was inundated all day. I would say about 80% of cases were flu and RSV,” Azarigian said.
Roberts said the holiday season creates prime conditions for the virus to spread because people are traveling and gathering indoors in groups.
“The holidays are always a tough time because it’s prime time for spread. Everybody is traveling, everybody is huddled indoors in groups, and this really facilitates the spread of many viruses,” Roberts said. “We’ve seen increases in flu this week compared to last week, and I expect we’ll see further increases in the coming week. We do not see an end in sight.”
Medical experts say there is still time to get a flu shot, noting that vaccinated people who contract the flu typically experience milder symptoms.
To prevent spread, doctors recommend washing hands frequently, wearing masks in crowded places and avoiding people who are sick. Parents are urged to keep sick children home from parties and gatherings.
“I always advise people to have a plan. What happens if this weekend, on New Year’s Day, when things are closed, I develop a fever? What’s my flu plan? Do I have tests available? Do I have a number to call if I test positive? How am I going to get treatment?” Roberts said.
For those who do get sick, Azarigian recommends home remedies including rest, fluids, vitamin C, and over-the-counter medications like Tylenol and Motrin.
Roberts said flu season typically extends into spring, with cases expected to continue through March and April, possibly even later.
“It’s been a pretty early, rapid rise to the flu season, and as I’ve said, there’s no end in sight,” Roberts said.
Connecticut is experiencing one of the worst flu seasons on record, with doctors reporting they have never seen this many cases this early in the season.
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