SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. – The flu season has been a rough one for many across the country, and South Lake Tahoe has been no different. The most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows the percentage of doctor’s office visits driven by flu-like symptoms has been higher than the peak of any winter flu season since 2009-10 when the swine-flu pandemic hit.

In South Lake Tahoe, Barton Health has observed a rise in flu-related hospitalizations and provider visits since the start of the 2024-2025 flu season, aligning with national trends.

“A year-over-year analysis indicates that peak case numbers of those who presented to the hospital or a provider’s office are at 214 cases from November 2024 through January 2025, approximately a 104 percent increase in cases over the same time during the 2023-2024 flu season,” said Dr. Jacob Marquette, hospitalist at Barton Health.

Influenza A, which has been particularly severe this year, is causing more intense symptoms, including fever or chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headaches, and fatigue.

“Given the heightened impact of the virus this season, it is more important than ever to take proactive measures to protect yourself and those around you,” said Dr. Marquette. “Vaccination remains the most effective defense against severe illness from the flu. The flu vaccine reduces the severity of symptoms and significantly lowers the risk of hospitalization or serious complications.”

Those six months old, and above, can get the vaccine. Recently, ten pediatric deaths associated with seasonal influenza were reported, bringing the 2024-2025 season total to 57 pediatric deaths, the CDC said.

So far, there have been 24 million illnesses, 310,000 hospitalizations, and 13,000 deaths from the flu this year in the US, according to CDC data.

Dr. Marquette said flu vaccines provide personal protection while also safeguarding higher-risk groups such as seniors and infants. Practicing good hygiene, such as regular handwashing and staying home when feeling unwell, can help prevent the spread of the flu.

Flu vaccines are readily available through primary care providers and most pharmacies. Barton Health encourages the community to get vaccinated and take preventive steps to stay healthy throughout the flu season

For an interactive map on the flu, visit https://gis.cdc.gov/grasp/fluview/main.html.