New flu cases increase in Alabama: Here's what to know

49002f1f c13d 45ca bfc4 40cade1c5319 — Flu cases have increased significantly in Alabama. (“Take a shot at protecting yourself and others from the flu” by BC Gov Photos is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

Alabama’s flu rate has more than tripled in the last two weeks, putting our state in the “Very High Activity Level” for influenza. Alabama is one of 20 states considered to be at the highest level, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

According to the Alabama Department of Public Health, this week’s flu rate is the highest record rate since November 2022.

For contrast, Alabama was considered in the “very high” category for just one week last flu season. The flu rate spiked at 7.9% in the state last year.