The proportion admitted to the ICU ranged from 14% during 2021-22 to 22% during 2013-14.
The loss of activity is equivalent to 15% of the US population becoming completely immobile for 1 day.
Adult COVID-19 patients also infected with the flu are 4 times more likely to need mechanical ventilation and 2.4 times more likely to die.
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Recent healthcare system advancements such as higher vaccination uptake and public health interventions likely contributed to the decline, the authors say.
Some of the steps include reinforcing proper hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette, improving building ventilation, cleaning and sanitation when appropriate, and promoting vaccination.
The results should be interpreted in the context of twice as many hospitalizations for COVID than flu during the study period, the authors say.
Almost all index patients (98%) had influenza A infection.
Though the flu season is winding down, the CDC received 10 more reports of pediatric flu deaths, including one from a flu A/flu B coinfection.
Amid further declines in COVID activity, the CDC reported a steady rise in JN.1 spinoffs that have 2 added spike mutations, part of a group nicknamed FLiRT.
Wastewater COVID detections declined to the minimal level and are highest in the Midwest.
Outpatient visits for flulike illness is below the national baseline for the first time since October.
With the drop in flu activity gaining momentum, several parts of the US are now below their regional baselines.
Flu levels trended downward for the second straight week, as markers for COVID and RSV continue steady drops.