The flu is surging across the U.S., with doctor visits and hospitalizations hitting a 15-year high in early February. The 2024–2025 flu season has already sickened over 33 million Americans, with the CDC declaring it a severe season.
Currently, 42 states and Washington, D.C., are reporting high or very high levels of influenza-like illness, with the South, Southeast, and Midwest regions particularly affected. Emergency rooms are overwhelmed, and schools in multiple states have closed due to outbreaks.
The majority of cases are caused by influenza A (H3N2 and H1N1), though flu B may rise later in the season. Other viruses like norovirus, COVID-19, and RSV are also surging, creating what some call a “quad-demic.”
So far, the CDC estimates at least 33 million flu cases, 430,000 hospitalizations, and 19,000 deaths, including 86 pediatric deaths. Emergency department visits for flu are at record levels, and wastewater surveillance shows very high flu activity nationwide.
Experts are uncertain how the rest of the season will unfold, but flu activity is still elevated, making it one of the toughest seasons in recent years.
The following U.S. states reported “very high” influenza-like illness activity during the week ending Feb. 15, according to the latest CDC data: Arkansas Colorado Connecticut Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Nebraska New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina Ohio Oregon Rhode Island South Carolina Tennessee Virginia Washington Wisconsin
Washinton D.C. and New York City are reporting “very high” levels of influenza-like illness activity as of February 15, along with these U.S. States:
Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin according to the CDC. The flu season has been particularly intense contributing to overwhelming hospitals and school closures.
Influenza symptoms:
Flu symptoms can range from mild to severe. Common flu symptoms include:
• Body aches
• Chills
• Cough
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Sore throat
• Stuffy nose
Some people are at higher risk of developing severe illness or complications due to influenza. According to the CDC, these include but are not limited to:
• Adults aged 65 and older
• Children under age 2
• People with weakened immune systems
• People with underlying chronic health conditions
• Pregnant women
How to protect against the flu:
It’s never too late to get your annual flu shot.
The influenza vaccine can help protect against flu and its complications, which is especially important for high-risk individuals. It’s recommended by the CDC for everyone aged 6 months and older.
The flu shots for the 2024-2025 season include three flu viruses: two flu A strains (H1N1 and H3N2) and one flu B strain. Flu B can surge later in the flu season, so the flu shot can offer continued protection for months.
In addition to getting your flu shot, you can protect yourself and others by taking the following steps:
• Wash your hands often.
• Stay home when sick.
• Avoid sick contacts.
• Wear a mask in crowded, indoor spaces.
A couple of extra tips you might consider:
• Boost your immune system: Eat a balanced diet, stay hydrated, and get enough sleep.
• Disinfect surfaces: Flu viruses can live on surfaces for hours, so cleaning frequently touched areas (like doorknobs, phones, and keyboards) can help prevent the spread.
• Cover coughs and sneezes: Use a tissue or your elbow to prevent droplets from spreading.
Source
Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
