The 2024-25 flu season is proving to be one of the most severe in over a decade, with high infection rates and hospitalizations across the United States.
Massachusetts has reported over 48,000 flu cases since October, reflecting the widespread impact of the virus.
Nationwide, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that between 370,000 and 820,000 flu-related hospitalizations have occurred as of February 8, 2025. This flu season has led to at least 29 million infections and 16,000 deaths, surpassing the severity of recent years. Massachusetts alone has reported 139 flu-related deaths, including six children.
Health experts note that this year’s flu strains appear to cause more severe complications, particularly in high-risk groups such as young children and older adults. The virus has overwhelmed emergency rooms and physician offices, marking the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic that flu-related deaths have outpaced those caused by COVID-19.
Several factors may be contributing to the intensity of this flu season. Vaccination rates have been declining, particularly among children, and this year’s flu vaccine has shown a slightly lower effectiveness rate (35%) compared to the typical 45%. Additionally, experts suggest that reduced exposure to flu viruses in recent years—due to social distancing and mask-wearing during the COVID-19 pandemic—may have left people with lower immunity.
Public health officials also warn that tracking and preparing for flu outbreaks has become more challenging. The US government’s withdrawal from the World Health Organization’s global flu data-sharing platforms has raised concerns about the ability to forecast and prepare for future flu seasons.
Hospitals and healthcare facilities in Massachusetts and across the country are feeling the strain of high patient volumes. Carol McLay, president of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology, noted that flu cases have surpassed COVID-19 in hospitalizations and deaths this season.
Children’s hospitals are particularly affected, with pediatric flu deaths rising. Last year’s flu season saw a record 200 pediatric deaths, and experts fear this season could surpass that number. There have also been reports of flu-related neurological complications in children, adding to concerns about the virus’s impact.
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