Flu Cases Rising Across East Tennessee

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – Flu cases are rising rapidly, affecting daily life and prompting health officials to urge extra precautions. 

Many are feeling the impact as communities work to slow the spread. Flu cases are spiking at an alarming rate, filling waiting rooms and overwhelming healthcare workers. 

Doctors say they’re seeing more severe cases than usual, and there’s growing concern that people may not be taking the virus seriously enough. 

Flu season is expected to peak in the coming weeks, and health officials warn that without increased precautions, cases could double by next month. 

John Marshall, Chattanooga Family Medicine Physician, told News 12 that “anytime you find a lot of people in an enclosed space whether that’s an aircraft, boat, gymnasium, someone’s house… you’ve got a lot of respiratory particles in the air. You’ve got a big chance of spreading viral infections like the Flu.”

Experts recommend frequent handwashing, staying home if you’re sick, and masking up in crowded indoor spaces—simple steps that could prevent another public health crisis.

Several schools in the East Tennessee area have temporarily closed in the last couple of weeks due to a significant increase in flu cases.

Health officials emphasize the importance of flu shots and proper hygiene to combat the flu’s spread. 

To view the “Weekly US Map: Influenza Summary Update”, you can click here.