Flu Hospitalizations Surge to Record High Across the United States in Latest Season
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Sep 18, 2025 1 hour, 57 minutes ago
Medical News: A Dangerous Flu Season
Researchers from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta, led by Alissa O’Halloran, have uncovered alarming data from the 2024-2025 influenza season. This
Medical News report reveals that flu-related hospitalizations in the United States surged to the highest level seen in more than a decade, surpassing all records since systematic tracking began in 2010.
Flu Hospitalizations Surge to Record High Across the United States in Latest Season
How the Study Was Conducted
The research team analyzed hospitalization data collected through the Influenza Hospitalization Surveillance Network between October 1, 2024, and April 30, 2025. These results were then compared with earlier flu seasons dating back to 2010. The study also looked at vaccination rates, pre-existing health conditions, and how many patients required intensive interventions such as ventilators or ICU care.
Shocking Numbers Revealed
The overall hospitalization rate linked to influenza reached 127.1 per 100,000 people during the 2024-25 season. This figure exceeded all past years since 2010. Older adults were the most severely affected, with those aged 75 years and older recording 598.8 hospitalizations per 100,000 people. Across all age groups, hospitalization rates were between 1.8 and 2.8 times higher than the median of past seasons.
Underlying Conditions and Vaccination
Nearly nine out of ten hospitalized patients—89.1%—were found to have at least one underlying health condition, such as heart disease, diabetes, or chronic lung disease. This highlights how vulnerable these groups are to severe influenza outcomes. Only 32.4% of those hospitalized had been vaccinated against the flu, while 84.8% received antiviral treatments during their hospital stay. The low vaccination rate suggests a significant gap in preventive health measures.
Severe Outcomes in Hospitals
The study also tracked how serious these hospitalizations became. Of all flu patients admitted, 16.8% required intensive care, 6.1% needed invasive mechanical ventilation, and 3.0% died in hospital. These findings stress how influenza remains a life-threatening illness, especially in older adults and those with pre-existing conditions.
Public Health Lessons
The study highlights the urgent need to boost influenza vaccination rates, particularly among older populations and those with chronic medical problems. While antiviral treatments helped reduce complications, prevention through vaccination remains the best strategy. Public health officials emphasize that vaccines, even if not perfect, significantly lower the risk of severe illness and death.
Final Thoughts
The 2024-25 flu season has underscored just how dangerous influenza can be. With hospitalization rates soaring and elderly populations bearing the heaviest burden
, the importance of preventive strategies is clearer than ever. The combination of low vaccination coverage and high levels of pre-existing conditions contributed to this severe outcome. To prevent future crises, stronger vaccination campaigns, rapid antiviral access, and public health awareness must be prioritized. The lessons from this season should not be ignored if the goal is to reduce strain on hospitals and protect vulnerable groups from the next wave of influenza.
The study findings were published in the peer reviewed journal: Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR)
https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/74/wr/mm7434a1.htm?s_cid=mm7434a1_w
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