A burst of viruses
The most terrifying flu season in 15 years has already claimed the lives of nearly 134 children and an estimated 23,000 individuals overall, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). With at least 41 million illnesses and 540,000 hospitalizations reported, the numbers are expected to rise as the flu season continues for two more months. The two dominant strains driving this season’s flu are the Type A influenza viruses: H1N1, which has circulated since the 2009 swine flu epidemic, and H3N2, a strain known to be particularly challenging to control.
“This flu season took us all by surprise, we expected more COVID and less flu, but it ended up being a seesaw,” admits Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, Professor of Medicine and Director of the Immunocompromised post-infectious diseases program at the University of California, San Francisco. “Vaccine hesitancy has, without a doubt, been the primary driver of the worst flu season we’ve seen in a decade.”
The 2024-2025 season saw a drop in flu vaccinations from ~50-58% to ~43% for all age groups.
“Vaccine hesitancy and fear-mongering has been on the rise due to increased political rhetoric. The presence of RFK Jr., an anti-vaccine activist, in the highest echelons of public health service has only fueled misinformation surrounding vaccinations,“ explains Dr. Daniel Turner-Lloveras, a practicing clinician-educator and a founding member of The Latino Coalition Against COVID-19, at an EMS briefing held on Feb 28th to discuss the ongoing Flu season. “We see preventable deaths increasing not just in the case of flu, but also with the measles outbreak in Texas and with the continued spread of COVID-19.”
Despite the grim statistics, health experts emphasize that it’s not too late to get vaccinated. “Getting a flu shot in March can still help curb the spread and potentially prevent a predicted third peak this season,” said Dr. Chin-Hong. “Additionally, vaccination reduces the risk of human flu viruses interacting with the bird flu strain currently circulating in the U.S. Keeping these viruses apart is one of our best defenses against another pandemic.”
Children at Greatest Risk
Children and seniors aged 65 and older remain the most vulnerable populations during flu season. This year has seen an alarming number of pediatric deaths and hospitalizations.
Recognizing flu symptoms early is critical. “The flu feels like you’ve been hit by a dump truck, accompanied by respiratory difficulties,” said Dr. Chin-Hong. “With babies, however, we need to be extra vigilant. Early signs include loss of appetite, fatigue, and dehydration, which may manifest as fewer wet diapers or crying without tears.”
If a child develops a persistent cough, shortness of breath, or a bluish tint to their skin, immediate medical attention is essential. Antiviral medications are also highly effective against both flu and COVID-19 but they must be administered within the first few days of symptom onset.
Immigrant Communities Face Heightened Vulnerability
Undocumented immigrants and economically disadvantaged Black and Brown communities are disproportionately affected by the flu season. These populations, often the first to bear the brunt of pandemics, face compounded risks due to systemic barriers.
Since President Trump’s election in November 2024, fears of deportation have surged, deterring many immigrant families from seeking medical care. NPR reports that 30% of patients at a community health center in Chicago skipped or canceled appointments in the past month alone due to concerns about ICE apprehensions at healthcare facilities.
Dr. Turner-Lloveras urges those in need of care to seek out safe spaces for treatment. “If you’re a patient and need care, seek out hospitals and community health centers that do not ask for immigration status, look for telehealth services if you are afraid to meet doctors in person, and do whatever you can to address your health issues,” advises Dr. Turner-Lloveras.
“And if you’re a doctor or clinic, uphold the Hippocratic oath and do not ask for immigration status, as doing so causes active harm to your patients. When systems fail, it is our duty to step up and serve our communities.”
“After all,” he concluded, “public health is not an individual choice but a social responsibility.”
Photo by iam luisao: https://www.pexels.com/photo/dentist-and-her-patient-posing-at-the-camera-12917374/
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