What’s going on
- Flu cases and hospitalizations have increased in many parts of the U.S. in recent weeks. The season is ramping up faster than a typical year.
- A large share of reported cases has been tied to influenza A(H3N2). That subtype has often been associated with higher hospitalization rates, especially among older adults.
- Clinicians in multiple states have reported crowded urgent care and emergency rooms due to respiratory illness. Many patients are testing positive for flu rather than COVID-19.
- The highest-risk groups remain the same: adults 65 and older, young children, pregnant people, and those with conditions like asthma, heart disease, or diabetes. Long-term care facilities also face elevated risk once outbreaks begin.
- Public health agencies, including the CDC, continue urging people to get a seasonal flu shot if they have not already. They are also emphasizing early testing and antiviral treatment for higher-risk patients.
- Hospitals and local health departments are preparing for continued demand. Plans include staffing, reminders to use masks in some clinical settings, and guidance to stay home when sick.
Why it matters
- A faster flu season can strain clinics and hospitals, especially if it overlaps with RSV and COVID-19. That can mean longer waits and less capacity for non-respiratory emergencies.
- For higher-risk people, flu can lead to pneumonia and worsening chronic illness. Early testing and treatment matter most for these patients because antivirals work best when started soon after symptoms begin.