Vaccine skepticism, coupled with a more potent strain of the influenza virus, is contributing to an exceptionally challenging flu season.

In a media briefing on February 28, hosted by Ethnic Media Services, a panel of experts discussed the deadly flu season that we faced this year.

Speakers

  • Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, Professor of Medicine and director of the immunocompromised host infectious diseases program, University of California, San Francisco
  • Dr. Benjamin Neuman, Professor of Biology and former chief Virologist at the Global Health Research Complex, Texas A&M University
  • Dr. Daniel Turner-Lloveras, Co-Founder and CEO, The Latino Health Innovation Alliance|SaludConTech, and Adjunct Professor of Medicine at the University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine

As of February 22, CDC reported 37 million cases of flu this season. This alarming figure has resulted in 480,000 hospitalizations and 21,000 deaths from the flu. Notably, 98 pediatric deaths from flu have also been reported by the CDC.

Dr. Peter Chin-Hong expressed his surprise at the severity of the season, stating, “This took everyone by surprise. We were expecting an average flu season, but what we’ve seen is far from average.”

Flu symptoms often develop abruptly and intensely, akin to being struck by a dump truck. Dr. Chin-Hong emphasized that influenza affects both the upper and lower respiratory systems, unlike the common cold, which primarily causes symptoms above the neck. Flu symptoms include high fever, body aches, severe fatigue, coughing, and shortness of breath.

Typically, symptoms persist for a week or two, but complications such as pneumonia can prolong recovery, particularly among children, the elderly, and individuals with chronic illnesses. Antivirals like Tamiflu are available, but they must be administered within the first two days of symptom onset.

In cases of severe dehydration or extreme lethargy in children, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention. Dr. Chin-Hong highlighted a significant red flag: if a child cries but does not produce tears, it indicates dehydration.

This season, the influenza virus is circulating alongside the standard H1N1 strain, as well as a more virulent strain known as H3N2. Dr. Benjamin Neuman explained that H3N2 has historically posed greater challenges due to its diverse subtypes and potential for rapid evolution. He suggested that adopting a revised vaccination strategy for two different versions of the virus might be effective in curbing its spread. However, this approach would require individuals to receive the vaccine.

Vaccination rates have plummeted significantly over the past five years due to vaccine skepticism voiced by prominent public figures. Last week, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), led by the well-known vaccine skeptic Robert Kennedy Jr., announced the cancellation of its upcoming meeting with its Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee. This decision was not disclosed on the FDA website, and Dr. Paul Offit confirmed the cancellation in an interview with Inside Medicine.

Dr. Neuman expressed his concern about the cancellation, emphasizing the crucial role of FDA approval in updating a new vaccine. He highlighted the benefits of these meetings, where government agencies present their data to the public in a transparent manner, allowing individuals like him, you, or anyone else to understand it. Additionally, these meetings provide insights into the activities of vaccine manufacturers.

However, Neuman warned that canceling such a meeting disrupts the process of ensuring the maximum effectiveness of flu vaccines. While it is theoretically possible for the FDA to approve a new vaccine version without the meeting, he cautioned that this would involve approving something without fully comprehending its implications. He believed this approach would not benefit the world in any way.

Neuman expressed concern that the cancellation could set a dangerous precedent, suggesting that it is an alarming early sign. If this trend continues, he warned that more advisory boards may be shut down.

Flu vaccination rates for all populations have declined from 2020, when 56% of the US population was vaccinated. Currently, fewer than 43% of adults over 65 and only 45% of children have received the flu vaccine.

As the flu spreads rapidly, Dr. Daniel Turner-Lloveras highlighted the concerning situation among immigrants. He warned that there is a “silent epidemic” occurring, with many immigrant families hesitant to seek medical care due to fear of deportation.

“Many immigrant families are afraid to seek care, even when their children are very sick, because they worry about immigration enforcement,” Dr. Turner-Lloveras emphasized.

Such fears are not unfounded. Last month, reports surfaced of an Immigration and Customs Enforcement van parked outside a community health clinic in Adelanto, California.

Turner-Lloveras cited data revealing that 22% of undocumented immigrants refrain from seeking necessary healthcare due to deportation concerns. He shared instances where patients expressed apprehension, asking, “If I go to the ER, will ICE be waiting outside?” This fear compels individuals to delay medical attention until it becomes critical.

These fears have severe consequences, not only affecting undocumented parents but also their U.S.-born children, who are fully eligible for care. Turner-Lloveras highlighted that Latino children are twice as likely as white children to be hospitalized due to flu-related complications. Additionally, they are less likely to receive vaccinations and more prone to being uninsured.

“A child might have legal access to healthcare, but if their parents fear stepping into a clinic, they won’t get the care they need,” emphasized Turner-Lloveras.

To address this issue, he advocated for the establishment of mobile health clinics, telemedicine, and workplace vaccination programs. These initiatives would enable immigrants to access care without the apprehension of deportation. 

Turner-Lloveras emphasized the importance of bringing vaccines to locations where individuals feel secure. He underscored that if this approach is not implemented, not only will undocumented individuals be harmed, but an entire generation of children born in the United States will be deprived of the opportunities they deserve.

 

Images provided by Ethnic Media Services