Flu Cases Hit 15-Year High in the U.S.: Stay Safe This Season

Feb 22

Flu Cases Hit 15-Year High in the U.S.: Stay Safe This Season
Published: February 22, 2025
By Garcia Family Medicine

The U.S. is facing an unprecedented flu season, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting the highest number of cases in 15 years—levels not seen since the 2009 H1N1 swine flu outbreak. Even more striking, flu-related deaths have surpassed those from COVID-19 for the first time since the pandemic began in 2020. Here’s what’s happening and how you can protect yourself and your loved ones.

What Happened?

The CDC has flagged this flu season as exceptionally severe, with activity climbing steadily across the nation. As of the week ending February 1, 2025, over 48,000 people were hospitalized with influenza—a peak unmatched since the 2009 swine flu epidemic. Lab data shows 31% of flu tests came back positive, dwarfing last year’s peak of 18%. Meanwhile, 2% of U.S. deaths that week were linked to flu, outpacing the 1.5% tied to COVID-19. The CDC estimates this season has already seen 24 million illnesses, 310,000 hospitalizations, and 13,000 deaths, including 57 children. Experts attribute this surge to potent H1N1 and H3N2 strains, lower vaccination rates, and possibly co-infections with viruses like RSV.

Affected Populations

This flu season is hitting hard across all age groups, but children and older adults are especially vulnerable. The CDC notes that nearly 8% of healthcare visits in early February were for respiratory symptoms, a sharp rise from last year. Hospitals are packed, with emergency rooms and doctors’ offices overwhelmed by patients battling fever, coughs, and fatigue. Experts warn that unvaccinated individuals—particularly kids, where vaccination rates have dropped to 45% from 50% last year—face higher risks of severe outcomes.

The Severity of This Season

This year’s flu is intense but not entirely unexpected. “We’re seeing a tough influenza season nationwide,” says Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious disease expert at Vanderbilt University. “Hospitals are overflowing with patients feeling miserable, yet we don’t fully know why this season stands out.” Unlike 2009, no new strain has emerged—H1N1 and H3N2 are familiar culprits—but their strength, combined with declining immunity and vaccination gaps, may be driving the spike. Dr. Timothy Brewer from UCLA adds that while this season rivals 2009’s 60 million cases, it’s still within historical norms for bad flu years.

Recommendations for Staying Safe

Here’s how you can fight back against this flu surge:

Get Vaccinated: The CDC urges everyone 6 months and older to get a flu shot—it’s not too late! Only 45% of adults and children are vaccinated this year, down from previous seasons, increasing risks for everyone.
Watch for Symptoms: Look out for sudden fatigue, body aches, dry cough, sore throat, fever (100°F+), or nausea. If symptoms hit hard and fast, seek care quickly—don’t assume it’s just a cold.
Protect Yourself and Others: Stay home if sick, avoid those showing signs of illness, wear a mask indoors, and wash your hands often. Simple steps like these can curb the spread.
Seek Treatment: Antiviral drugs like Tamiflu can lessen flu severity if started early—call your doctor if you suspect flu. For questions, reach out to us at +1 (816)427-5320 or gigi@garciafamilymedicine.care.

Taking Action

Flu season runs October to May, peaking now in January and February due to cold weather and indoor gatherings. The CDC’s latest FluView report at cdc.gov/fluview tracks this ongoing wave—stay informed as numbers evolve. If you’re feeling ill or need guidance, don’t hesitate to act. Early care can make a difference, especially with flu outpacing COVID-19 in severity this year.

This season’s intensity reminds us how vital prevention is. Vaccination and basic precautions aren’t just about you—they protect your family and community too. For more tips, visit the CDC’s Flu Prevention page.

Stay safe and informed,
Garcia Family Medicine Team

For any concerns or questions about this flu season, feel free to contact us at garciafamilymedicine.care. Your health and safety are our priority.