Oh no! This flu season is really bad! Many people are getting sick. So far, about 24 million people in the United States have caught the flu. That’s a lot of sick folks! Doctors are busy helping these people. Some hospitals are very full. They have not seen so many sick children and adults since 2017! Even though winter is here, and the flu usually starts to get better, people are still getting sick. Dr. Susan R. Russell, a doctor in Chicago, says patients keep coming to the hospital. It seems like the flu just won’t go away. Another doctor, Dr. Donald Dumford, thought maybe it was getting better, but then more people got sick. He was very surprised! So why is this flu season so tough? Well, less people are getting flu shots. So far, only about 46 out of 100 children and adults got their shots. That means many people are not protected against the flu. Flu shots help keep us safe and make it harder for the flu to spread. Also, during the pandemic, many people stayed home. They didn’t catch the flu or other germs. Now, our bodies might not be ready to fight off these illnesses as they used to. Some people are at greater risk of getting very sick. Very young kids or older people might have more problems with the flu. Those who have lung issues, heart problems, or are pregnant need to be careful too. It’s a good idea to wash your hands, stay home if you’re sick, and get a flu shot. Let’s all help each other stay healthy this season! Remember, it’s okay to ask an adult for help if you have questions about staying safe from the flu. Stay strong and healthy!