Flu Season Could Last Longer in Big Cities

Flu Spreads Differently Depending on City Size

Illness lasts longer in more populous cities but can briefly overwhelm smaller ones

Getty Images If you live in a big city, get ready for a long . And if you’re in a smaller city, be prepared for a quick burst of flu cases. A research report in the new issue of Science magazine reveals that in a study of flu outbreaks in 603 U.S. cities, “epidemics in smaller cities are focused on shorter periods … whereas in larger cities, incidence is more diffuse” over time. While flu outbreaks may last longer and affect more people in large cities, small cities face a different issue: how to deal with an initially explosive epidemic that quiets down relatively quickly. The findings suggest that, depending on the type of city, public health policy makers may want to alter their approach to responding to flu threats. Smaller cities may not be as equipped as they should be to handle so many cases at once, and larger cities may need to prepare for a slower but sustained number of cases.
For expert tips to help feel your best, get . The socioeconomic status of the general population in many large cities may also play a significant role. “Our analysis shows that some of the cities with the most intense influenza epidemics are also among those with the most challenging socioeconomic conditions,” the report says. That finding squares with other recent research that links socioeconomic status with flu mortality rates. With 80,000 fatalities, last year was the deadliest flu season in decades in the United States, as an especially virulent strain spread throughout the country. Officials also reported that flu vaccination rates were lower than usual.

Also of Interest

Cancel You are leaving AARP.org and going to the website of our trusted provider. The provider’s terms, conditions and policies apply. Please return to AARP.org to learn more about other benefits. Your email address is now confirmed. You'll start receiving the latest news, benefits, events, and programs related to AARP's mission to empower people to choose how they live as they age. You can also by updating your account at anytime. You will be asked to register or log in. Cancel Offer Details Disclosures

Close In the next 24 hours, you will receive an email to confirm your subscription to receive emails related to AARP volunteering. Once you confirm that subscription, you will regularly receive communications related to AARP volunteering. In the meantime, please feel free to search for ways to make a difference in your community at Javascript must be enabled to use this site. Please enable Javascript in your browser and try again.