Utah seeing a recent spike in flu-related hospitalizations, but overall numbers are down
Jan 3, 2025, 3:00 PM
SALT LAKE CITY– Several hundred people have ended up in Utah hospitals with flu-related issues in just the last couple of weeks according to data from the Utah Department of Health and Human Services.
According to DHHS, the state has seen 330 flu-associated hospitalizations just between December 15 and December 28. Data for this week has not yet been finalized or released.
At the time of publication, the 330 hospital admissions the last two weeks brought the total 2024-2025 flu season count for the state to 539.
“It’s nothing that we haven’t seen before in previous years, but there has definitely been quite a significant uptick,” said Dr. Pamela Gomez, Influenza Epidemiologist for DHHS.
Dr. Gomez said a spike around the holidays is normal. As to why we’re seeing this, she said it’s not clear yet but noted its possible less people are getting flu vaccinations or perhaps this year’s flu vaccine isn’t matching up with this year’s strain as well as other years.
Despite the recent rise in flu-related hospitalizations, the 539 for this season is much lower than recent years.
A year ago, at this time, Utah had 837 flu-associated hospitalizations. Two years ago, that number was more than double what it is today at 1,176.
However, Dr. Gomez noted flu numbers don’t really start to bottom out until March, meaning there’s still a lot of time left where cases could rise.
Like the 2023-2024 flu season for example, despite starting with 837 flu-associated hospitalizations, Utah saw a whopping total of 1,884 by season’s end.
The 2022-2023 flu season saw a faster start with 1,176 flu-associated hospitalizations just after Christmas, the sate only had 1,579 by season’s end.
“If there are more hospitalizations, then it does pose a greater burden on the healthcare system,” Dr. Gomez said.
What to do to protect yourself from the flu
Dr. Gomez encouraged people to get a flu vaccine if they haven’t received one already. While we’re a way into flu season, she said a vaccine can help people for the last couple of months before cases start to flatline.
“We definitely anticipate seeing … respiratory illnesses in general going around,” Dr. Gomez said. “It’s so important … to get your flu shot.”
She also encouraged Utahns to practice good respiratory hygiene, like covering coughs and sneezes and staying home when you’re sick.
Dr. Gomez also said getting good sleep, eating right and exercising can help people stay healthy.
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