CDC Predicting Larger Flu Season Than Recent Years

This year’s flu season expected to hit harder than years in recent years.

That’s according to Cookeville Regional Medical Center Infection Prevention Manager Stephanie Etter. She said the Center for Disease Control is sensing a bigger trend in its early predictions.

“They believe that’s probably due to people not masking as much,” Etter said. “And honestly flu comes in waves and cycles and we’re due for a bigger season.”

Etter said flu season is marked by when the number of confirmed cases begins to increase due to people spending more time indoors and in close proximity.

Etter said the CDC is also seeing a higher rate of case counts in respiratory syncytial virus, which is unusual. She said this virus acts similarly to the common cold in adults but can have a stronger impact on kids.

“It’s come on a little quicker and more than expected than the previous couple of years,” Etter said. “Much like the flu, cover your cough, wash your hands, if you’re sick stay home, and carry that hand sanitizer around. And in your children if the fever’s not coming down, they’re not drinking well, see your primary care provider.”

Flu season is set to begin this month and run through January.