Has Influenza Flown South for Spring Break 2023

As vacationers plan their Spring Break 2023 plans, many ask what happened with this year's flu season.

According to reports recently published by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the 2022-2023 flu season is ending in the Northern Hemisphere.

For example, the WHO's Influenza Update N° 437 concluded countries of North America reported most indicators of influenza activity decreased to levels similar to or below levels typically observed this time of year.

Regarding some of the prime Spring Break destinations, the WHO reported good news.

Influenza activity was low overall in the Caribbean and Central American countries but remained elevated in Mexico.

And in the tropical countries of South America, influenza detections were generally low, and influenza A(H3N2) and influenza B viruses predominated.

Influenza positivity was at a moderate level in Ecuador.

Additionally, Europe's overall influenza activity decreased, but flu positivity from sentinel sites remained above the epidemic threshold at the regional level.

Furthermore, CDC confirmed that seasonal flu activity continued to decline across the country last week, with six HHS regions below their outpatient respiratory illness baselines.

Wherever you land for Spring Break, the CDC suggests speaking with a healthcare provider about required vaccinations, including a late-season flu shot booster.

In the U.S., various flu shots are available at travel clinics and pharmacies.