Answer: Flu season
Clues: “Quarterly” and “Ailment”
We’re is facing what appears to be one of the worst flu seasons in over a decade. Doctor visits for influenza symptoms and flu-related hospitalizations are at the highest levels in 15 years.
The latest wave of flu is overwhelming hospitals around the country and forcing dozens of schools to close temporarily.
Every region has high flu activity, with the South, Southeast and Midwest being hit the hardest.
This flu season has caused an estimated 29 million cases, 370,000 hospitalizations, and 16,000 deaths so far, the CDC says.
According to experts, there’s more to come — Flu activity usually ramps up in October and peaks in January or February. However, this flu season started late. Cases rose sharply in December then took off again after the holidays and children returned to school, which could’ve allowed more spread, according to experts.