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Flu cases in the U.S. are peaking for a second time this winter, and according to one indicator, the current spike is the highest in 15 years.

Last week’s percentage of doctor’s office visits driven by flu-like symptoms is higher than any U.S. winter flu season since 2009-2010, according to data that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention posted Friday, Feb. 7.

Of course, other viral infections can be mistaken for flu. However, hospital data and CDC modeling projections indicate that COVID-19 and RSV appear to be on the decline, the Associated Press reported.

So far this season, there have been at least 24 million flu illnesses, 310,000 hospitalizations, and 13,000 deaths — including at least 57 children, according to the CDC.

Georgia is one of several states that reported very high flu activity last week.

How to Avoid Getting the Flu

Traditionally, flu season peaks around February.

“Prevention is straightforward,” said Dr. Danny Branstetter, director of infection prevention at Wellstar Health System. “Stay away from sick people, wash your hands, refrain from biting your nails, and avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.”

People infected with the flu typically have a fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle and body aches, headaches, and/or fatigue. The Mayo Clinic notes that while flu and cold symptoms can have many similarities, flu symptoms are usually more severe and develop more abruptly. In contrast, cold symptoms are generally milder and more gradual in onset. 

Branstetter suggests staying home if symptoms develop.

“If you’re high risk,” Branstetter said, “seek medical advice on treatment.”

Patient testing results indicate that two seasonal flu strains are causing most illnesses — a Type A H1N1 and a Type A H3N2. Health officials are closely watching a third strain — a bird flu known as Type A H5N1 — that has sickened tens of millions of animals but is known to have infected only 67 people in the U.S.

“If you work in proximity to cattle or poultry, it’s important to work with your local agricultural authorities to monitor livestock,” Branstetter said. “This helps ensure that herds and flocks are robust and healthy.”