The Blubber

Worst Flu Season in 15 Years Overwhelms U.S. Hospitals

The most severe flu season in over a decade has left hundreds of thousands of Americans hospitalized, straining emergency rooms and doctors’ offices nationwide.

Why It Matters

This year’s flu is more severe than usual, causing serious complications, especially in young children.

"The two predominant strains circulating now are known for causing more severe illness, particularly in high-risk patients," said Carol McLay, president of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology.

She added:

“For the first time, flu hospitalizations and deaths have surpassed those from COVID-19 since the pandemic began."

By the Numbers

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) classifies this as a "high-severity" flu season, with:

• 29 million cases—the highest since the 2009-2010 season.
• 370,000 hospitalizations and 16,000 deaths as of Feb. 8, on track to exceed the 2017-2018 season, which was previously the deadliest.
• Nearly every state reporting high or very high flu activity, with 32%–40% of tests coming back positive.

Severe Cases & Pediatric Concerns

"Many hospitalized adults are developing pneumonia and requiring intubation or ventilation," McLay said.

Children have been hit particularly hard, with 68 pediatric flu deaths reported so far.

"Last year, we saw a record 200 pediatric flu deaths, and this season is shaping up to be even worse," said Matthew Cook, CEO of the Children’s Hospital Association.

Some rare cases of serious neurological complications have also been reported in children.

Why This Season Is So Bad

• Flu vaccination rates have declined in recent years, particularly among children.
• This year’s flu vaccine is less effective than usual (35% vs. the typical 45%).
• Reduced immunity after years of COVID-19 precautions (masking, social distancing) may have left people more vulnerable to flu infections.

"Because people were social distancing and masking during COVID, we've seen reduced immunity to the flu," McLay explained.

With flu season still in full swing, health officials are urging vaccination and preventive measures to curb the outbreak.