Claire Dawson
Flu season is a challenging time for hospitals, and it is not unusual to see an increase in flu cases during the winter. In 2018, hospitals were overwhelmed by flu patients, leading to the use of triage tents and the cancellation of elective surgeries. Similarly, in early 2025, hospitals in England and Scotland experienced a sharp rise in flu cases, with the number of flu patients quadrupling in the last month. This surge in flu cases has put significant pressure on urgent and emergency care services, with hospitals once again reaching full capacity. The severity of the flu season has resulted in an increase in hospitalizations, with rates even surpassing those seen during the COVID-19 pandemic at certain points.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Year | 2025 |
| Location | England, Scotland, Wales, US |
| Flu Season | Intense, severe |
| Hospitalization Rate | Topped Covid-19 pandemic levels |
| Hospital Measures | Staff overtime, triage tents, restricted visits, cancelled surgeries |
| Flu Cases | Skyrocketed to 5,000+ cases/day in hospital |
| Flu-related Deaths | 57 children |
| Flu Vaccination | Available for high-risk groups |
| Ambulance Waiting Times | Increased |
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What You'll Learn
Flu hospitalizations exceeding COVID-19 pandemic rates
The flu season is putting immense pressure on hospitals, with some even treating patients in tents. The flu can be deadly, especially for those over 65, pregnant women, and people with chronic conditions or compromised immune systems. The best way to reduce the risk of severe illness and hospitalization is to get the yearly flu vaccine, practice good hand hygiene, cover coughs and sneezes, and stay home when sick.
During the 2017-2018 flu season, hospitals and urgent care centers across the United States were inundated with patients, leading to extraordinary measures such as overtime for medical staff, triage tents, restricted visits, and canceled elective surgeries. The situation was so dire that even emergency departments had standing-room only, with patients being treated in hallways and unusual locations.
The flu season in 2025 has resulted in outpatient health care visits for flu illnesses reaching their highest levels in 15 years, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC estimates that there have been 310,000 hospitalizations due to the flu so far this season, with the rate of flu-related deaths matching that of COVID-19 for the first time since the pandemic began. This wave of influenza-like illnesses is expected to strain health systems further in the coming weeks.
To cope with the influx of patients, hospitals are taking various measures. For example, the Lehigh Valley Health System in Allentown, Pennsylvania, set up a surge tent in its parking lot to treat patients with viral illnesses, including the flu. Additionally, hospitals are encouraging visitors to stay away to prevent the spread of the flu and protect patients and staff.
The flu can have severe symptoms and lead to serious complications, especially for those with underlying health conditions. It is essential to be vigilant about handwashing, wear a mask when sick, and stay home from work or school until at least 24 hours after a fever has subsided to avoid spreading the flu to others.
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Flu symptoms and their progression
Flu symptoms can vary in intensity and usually develop suddenly. The flu is a respiratory illness caused by a virus that infects the nose, throat, and lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness and sometimes even lead to death. Symptoms can include fever, body aches, congestion, sore throat, and a dry cough. In small children, vomiting or diarrhea can also occur. People with asthma may experience asthma attacks, and those with chronic heart disease may see a worsening of their condition.
The flu usually runs its course in about a week, but it can sometimes last up to two weeks. Day 3 is often the worst stage, with many symptoms at their most intense. The inflammation in the trachea and bronchi can cause an intense, dry cough. By day 5, the infection should be mostly clear, but some underlying inflammation is normal. This inflammation triggers the body's healing process by increasing blood flow to injured tissues.
While most people recover at home with rest and fluids, some develop serious complications, such as sinus and ear infections or even pneumonia. Certain health conditions can put individuals at higher risk for severe illness, including asthma, chronic lung disease, heart disease, and a weakened immune system. If flu symptoms do not improve or if an individual is in a high-risk group, it is recommended to consult a healthcare provider.
During the 2017-2018 influenza epidemic, hospitals in multiple states were overwhelmed with flu patients, leading to extraordinary measures such as staff overtime, triage tents, and the cancellation of elective surgeries. Flu vaccination is recommended annually for individuals aged 6 months and older to reduce the risk of infection and severe illness.
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Flu vaccinations and prevention
Flu vaccinations are an important tool in preventing the flu and reducing hospital overcrowding during flu season. While the flu usually only lasts for a few days to a week, it can cause severe illness and even lead to death, especially in high-risk groups. These groups include people over 65, pregnant women, those battling a chronic condition, and those who are immunocompromised. In a typical flu season in the US, it is estimated that between 20,000 and 50,000 people die from the flu, and another 300,000 to 500,000 require hospitalization.
To reduce the risk of hospitalization due to the flu, it is recommended to get a yearly flu vaccine, either as a shot or a mist sprayed into the nose. This is because the influenza virus can change over time, and immunity wanes, so yearly vaccination is necessary to maintain protection. Vaccination is the single best thing one can do to prevent the flu.
In addition to vaccination, there are several other ways to reduce the risk of getting and spreading the flu. These include frequent handwashing with soap and water or the use of hand sanitizer when soap and water are unavailable. It is also important to cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze or cough, and to avoid being around others when you are sick. If you are sick, you should stay home and away from others, except to seek medical care, and drink plenty of fluids.
For those who are unable to get the flu vaccine, there are antiviral medications available by prescription from a doctor. These include oseltamivir phosphate (Tamiflu), zanamivir (Relenza), peramivir (Rapivap), and baloxavir marboxil (Xofluza). However, these medications may have serious side effects, and it is important to consult with a doctor before taking them.
In recent years, there have been concerns about the emergence of a bird flu pandemic. The Trump administration initially invested in the development of an mRNA vaccine for flu strains with pandemic potential, including bird flu. However, in 2025, the Department of Health and Human Services ended the contract, citing concerns about the safety and efficacy of mRNA technology. Despite this, the FDA has made recommendations for the composition of trivalent seasonal influenza vaccines for the 2025-2026 flu season, and anticipates an adequate supply of approved vaccines.
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Flu treatment and medication
For otherwise healthy people, over-the-counter medications can help manage symptoms. Visiting a doctor within 48 hours may also be an option, although antiviral medications may only shorten the illness by a day or less and can have side effects.
To prevent the flu, getting a yearly flu vaccine is essential. The flu vaccine is available as a shot or a nasal spray. Additionally, practising good hygiene, such as frequent handwashing with soap and water or using hand sanitiser, can help reduce the risk of contracting the flu.
For those who do get sick, staying away from others and practising respiratory etiquette, such as covering the nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing, can help prevent the spread of the virus. Wearing a respiratory mask in public places can also help protect others from potential exposure.
If flu symptoms do not improve or for those in high-risk groups, consulting a primary care doctor or visiting an urgent care centre is recommended. Antiviral medications, such as oseltamivir phosphate (Tamiflu®), zanamivir (Relenza®), peramivir (Rapivap®), and baloxavir marboxil (Xofluza®), can be prescribed to treat the flu. These medications are most effective when started within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms and can reduce the duration of illness and the risk of complications.
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Flu-related hospital measures and restrictions
The flu season can place immense pressure on hospitals, with a surge in patient numbers, often leading to overcrowding and long wait times. Hospitals employ various measures and restrictions to manage the influx and provide care to flu patients.
One of the primary strategies is to increase capacity by setting up temporary treatment areas. This may involve erecting triage tents or surge tents outside emergency departments to accommodate patient overflow. For instance, during the 2017-2018 influenza epidemic, hospitals across the United States resorted to treating patients in tents. Similarly, hospitals in England faced a sharp rise in flu cases, resulting in ambulances being stuck outside emergency departments due to a lack of beds. To address this, some hospitals set up temporary treatment areas in unconventional spaces, such as recovery rooms, and even hallways, to manage the surge in patients.
To free up hospital beds and resources, hospitals may also restrict or cancel elective surgeries and non-essential procedures. This strategy was implemented by the UAB Hospital in Alabama during the 2018 flu epidemic and by hospitals in California to cope with the high volume of flu patients.
In addition to physical capacity constraints, hospitals also focus on infection control measures to prevent the spread of the flu within their facilities. Visitor restrictions are commonly imposed, including limiting the number of visitors or prohibiting children from visiting. Hospitals may also encourage visitors to stay away or only permit visits from friends and family during specified hours. These measures aim to reduce the risk of exposing visitors and staff to the flu virus and preventing further transmission.
To manage the increased demand during flu season, hospitals often request staff to work overtime or additional shifts. This strategy helps ensure adequate staffing levels to provide care for the heightened number of patients seeking treatment.
While hospitals implement these measures, it is important to note that they are not always sufficient to meet the demand during severe flu seasons. In such cases, hospitals may experience overcrowding, long wait times, and challenges in providing timely care to all patients.
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Frequently asked questions
Flu seasons often lead to an increase in hospital patients, which can put pressure on hospitals and urgent-care centers. In some cases, hospitals have been described as "pretty much at capacity". However, it is not correct to say that hospitals are "full" because of the flu. There are many factors contributing to hospital congestion.
A chronic lack of beds and inefficient use of available beds have been cited as reasons for hospital overcrowding. Staff shortages and high numbers of patients can also cause delays in treatment and care.
The flu can cause severe illness, and in some cases, life-threatening complications that require hospitalisation. During flu season, hospitals may be inundated with patients, causing further strain on their resources and capacity.
Hospitals may ask staff to work overtime, set up triage tents, restrict visits, and cancel elective surgeries to manage the increase in patients during flu season.
Get vaccinated at the start of flu season. Wash your hands regularly and cover your nose and mouth when you sneeze or cough. If you do get sick, stay at home and avoid being around others. Drink plenty of fluids and get rest.
