Flu seasons can vary in their timing, severity, and duration from one season to another. This flu season started a little later than it has during the previous three flu seasons. The season also peaked later than usual and activity has remained elevated later also. While H3N2 viruses predominated early in the season, H1N1 viruses have been the most common in recent weeks and are now the predominant virus for this season. This is the virus that emerged in 2009 to cause a pandemic. In the past, H1N1 flu viruses have caused severe illness in some children & young-and middle-aged adults. While there have been reports of severe flu illnesses and deaths this season, overall this season has been milder than the previous three seasons and severity indicators have not been excessively high.
The mild winter temperatures throughout the U.S. may be the reason for the late flu season and the early allergy season. The above-average temperatures that have allowed more U.S. citizens to spend more time engaging in outdoor activities may have triggered a later-than-usual peak in flu cases. Vitamin D is able to boost a person’s immune system, helping to fight off illnesses such as the flu. While the above-average temperatures have been a blessing when it comes to the flu, allergy sufferers may not be feeling healthy at all.
The warm winter temperatures have allowed some flowers and trees to begin blooming and budding early. The early onset of the growth cycle has plants releasing pollen into the air earlier than usual. The pollen may even stick around longer if the spring is rainy. The rain will benefit the flowers and the blooms could be around longer than usual. This will release even more pollen into the air.
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