A DBUNK subscriber recently submitted a request for us to verify claims made in CNN’s article titled “An intense flu season is filling hospitals with severely ill patients”. Their main concern was whether the flu season is genuinely as severe as the article suggests and if it surpasses Covid at its peak.
What We Found
The article presents an alarming depiction of the flu season, comparing it to certain points of the Covid-19 pandemic. While there is some truth to the severity of this flu season, the report makes misleading comparisons by omitting broader historical context.
Misleading Statistics on Flu vs. Covid Hospitalizations
The article claims, “During the week ending February 1, there were 14.4 flu hospitalizations for every 100,000 people in the US, slightly higher than the rate of Covid-19 hospitalizations during the height of the Delta wave in September 2021.” This comparison is flawed because it isolates a single week without considering the vastly different hospitalization curves of Covid and flu. Covid waves typically lasted for several months, overwhelming hospitals over sustained periods, whereas the flu’s peak is often sharp but not prolonged at the same intensity.
Incomplete Context on Neurological Complications in Children
The article highlights an “unusual” increase in acute necrotizing encephalopathy (ANE) cases among children but fails to specify the lack of historical reporting mechanisms. The quoted doctors themselves acknowledge that “there’s no official tally of the typical number that are reported year-to-year, so it’s hard to tease out trends.” Without long-term data comparisons, there is no conclusive evidence proving this year is exceptionally worse.
Flu Deaths vs. Covid Deaths Lacking Nuance
The claim that “weekly deaths from flu have also surpassed those from Covid for the first time” omits critical context. Covid death rates are significantly lower now due to higher population immunity and vaccinations. Directly comparing the weekly death tolls without acknowledging these factors can lead to misinterpretations about the relative threat of each virus.
Why Is This Flu Season Hitting So Hard?
Several factors contribute to the severity of this season, but they are not unusual in historical context:
- Lower flu vaccination rates, particularly among children, may be increasing serious cases.
- Two influenza A strains—H1N1 and H3N2—are circulating at nearly equal levels, leading to prolonged exposure risks.
- Covid precautions over recent years reduced flu exposure, potentially making immune responses less effective.
The Final Verdict
While this flu season is severe, the article presents certain claims without full historical or statistical context, leading to exaggerated comparisons with Covid-19. The framing may cause unnecessary alarm without acknowledging that flu surges have occurred before. Hospitalization rates are high, but they do not rival the long-term strain that Covid waves placed on medical infrastructure.
If you ever come across questionable information, submit it to DBUNK. Our fact-checking team is ready to investigate and provide clarity.
