US Faces The Most Intense Flu Season In 15 Years With 24 Million Infected And 13 Thousand Dead

A Surge in Flu Cases Leading to School Closures

The widespread flu outbreak has had a significant impact on schools across the country, with many districts forced to temporarily shut down due to rising infection rates among students and staff.

One of the worst-hit areas is Godley Independent School District in Texas, where authorities closed schools for three days after 650 students and 60 staff members fell ill. Reports indicate that while flu is the dominant illness, some cases of strep throat have also been recorded. School officials and health experts are urging parents to take precautions to prevent further spread among children, who remain one of the most vulnerable groups due to their weaker immune systems.

Flu Outbreak Worsens Across the US

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of flu-related cases has surpassed 310,000 hospitalisations this season. At least 57 children have succumbed to flu complications.

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The CDC reports that 43 states have recorded high or very high flu activity, with the South, Southwest, and Western regions being the most severely affected. Rochester, New York, has also reported a significant spike in flu cases, although health officials say it is not necessarily worse than in previous years.

Aside from the flu, RSV cases continue to rise, posing a serious threat to infants and young children. RSV is a common respiratory virus that infects the nose, throat, and lungs and is known to be a leading cause of hospitalisation in young children.

US Government Encourages Flu Vaccination

Health authorities are urging all individuals over six months of age to get a flu shot to protect against severe illness. Despite this strong recommendation, vaccination rates remain stagnant.

• Only 44% of adults have received their flu shots, mirroring last year's figures.
• Flu vaccination coverage among children has dropped to 45%, a significant decrease from previous years, where rates typically exceeded 50%.
• In terms of COVID-19 vaccines, only 23% of adults are up to date on their shots, reflecting a small increase from 20% recorded the previous year.

As of now, the effectiveness of this year’s flu vaccine is yet to be officially determined by health agencies. However, experts believe that getting vaccinated can reduce the severity of the illness and prevent hospitalisations.

How to Protect Yourself from the Flu

With flu cases continuing to rise, doctors emphasise the importance of adopting preventive measures to stay safe. Common flu symptoms include fever, fatigue, body aches, coughing, sore throat, and runny nose. If left untreated, the flu can lead to serious complications such as pneumonia or respiratory failure. To minimise your risk of infection, health experts recommend the following:

• Avoid large gatherings to reduce exposure to the virus.
• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
• Maintain a healthy diet rich in immune-boosting foods.
• Stay away from others if you experience flu-like symptoms.
• Exercise regularly to strengthen your immune system.

Bottomline

The 2025 flu season has reached alarming levels, with millions of Americans affected. Hospitals, schools, and communities across the country are struggling to cope with the rapid spread of the virus. As the government continues to advocate for flu vaccinations and preventive measures, individuals must take personal responsibility for their health to reduce infection rates and safeguard their well-being.