February 15, 2025

Flu season in the US is the most intense it’s been in at least 15 years

Flu season in the United States in 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most intense in over a decade. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the flu has caused widespread illness and an unprecedented strain on the healthcare system, affecting all regions of the country. At the time of reporting in early February, approximately 24 million Americans had contracted the flu, resulting in 310,000 hospitalizations and 13,000 deaths. These statistics have made it clear that this flu season is not only the worst in years but possibly the most severe in at least 15 years.

Surge in Hospitalizations
Across the United States, hospitals are overwhelmed by the sheer number of flu cases. In New York, for instance, the state has seen more than 3,000 hospitalizations from influenza as of February 1st, with reports stating that this is the worst flu season the state has faced in 15 years. New York’s hospitals have been particularly hard-hit, with many medical facilities reporting near or full capacity in their emergency rooms. The overflow of patients has led to longer wait times, creating a logistical nightmare for healthcare providers. This high demand for medical services has caused strain on emergency departments, where patients often wait for hours before being seen by a doctor or nurse.

Similarly, California has seen a dramatic increase in flu cases, with nearly 70% of respiratory virus tests in local clinics returning positive results for the flu. Respiratory infections like flu have surpassed those caused by other viruses such as COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in test positivity rates. In some regions, healthcare workers are overwhelmed, and hospitals are reporting difficulties in managing the surge of flu patients, which further exacerbates the overall situation.

The Role of Vaccination and Public Health
Despite the availability of flu vaccines, the vaccination rate remains a critical issue. In New York, for example, vaccination rates are barely over 25%, which is much lower than what public health officials had hoped for. Experts believe that the low vaccination rates are contributing to the severity of this flu season. While the flu vaccine is reported to be around 40-60% effective this year, getting vaccinated remains one of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalizations, and deaths.

The CDC, along with local health departments, continues to urge the public to get vaccinated if they haven’t already. They also emphasize the importance of other preventative measures such as regular handwashing, staying home when sick, and avoiding contact with vulnerable populations, including the elderly and those with compromised immune systems.

Economic Impact
The effects of this severe flu season are not just confined to the healthcare sector. The widespread illness has led to significant economic consequences as well. One notable impact is the rise in prices for essential goods like eggs. The current flu season coincides with an avian flu outbreak, which has drastically reduced the number of egg-laying chickens, causing egg prices to surge to record highs. In some places, a dozen eggs now costs more than $8—more than double the price compared to the previous year. This increase in food prices is just one example of how this flu season is reverberating through the economy, affecting both consumers and businesses.

The Importance of Preparedness
This flu season serves as a stark reminder of the importance of being prepared for infectious disease outbreaks. Experts recommend individuals take preventive actions such as getting vaccinated annually, practicing good hygiene, and avoiding unnecessary travel during peak flu season. In addition, healthcare systems must continue to prepare for future surges by increasing resources, training staff, and bolstering hospital capacity. With the flu season still ongoing, it remains critical to focus on preventive measures to protect public health and ease the burden on the healthcare system.

With the flu season being more intense than it has been in over 15 years, the United States is facing a serious public health challenge. The combination of widespread illness, overwhelmed healthcare systems, and rising economic costs underscores the importance of vaccinations and other preventive measures. As the season continues, both individuals and healthcare providers must stay vigilant, prioritize safety, and work together to minimize the impact of the flu on communities across the nation.