Claire Dawson
The flu, caused by the influenza virus, is a common illness that can lead to severe complications and even death in certain cases. While flu vaccinations may not always prevent symptoms, they play a crucial role in reducing the risk of hospitalizations and deaths associated with the flu. In a typical flu season in the United States, it is estimated that hundreds of thousands of individuals require hospitalization due to serious flu-related illnesses. The number of hospitalizations can vary depending on various factors, including vaccination rates, underlying health conditions, and the prevalence of different flu strains.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of hospitalizations in a typical flu season in the U.S. | 300,000 to 500,000 |
| Number of child deaths in the 2024-2025 flu season | 216 |
| Number of illnesses in the 2024-2025 flu season | 47 million |
| Number of hospitalizations in the 2024-2025 flu season | 610,000 |
| Number of deaths in the 2024-2025 flu season | 26,000 |
| Percentage of hospitalized adults with underlying health conditions in the 2024-2025 flu season | 95% |
| Percentage of hospitalized children with underlying health conditions in the 2024-2025 flu season | 53% |
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What You'll Learn
Flu vaccinations are effective at preventing hospitalizations and deaths
Flu vaccines are highly effective at preventing hospitalizations and deaths. During a typical flu season in the US, it is estimated that between 20,000 and 50,000 people die from the flu, and 300,000 to 500,000 require hospitalization for serious illness. However, flu vaccination has been shown to reduce the severity of illness and the risk of hospitalizations and deaths.
For example, a 2021 study found that vaccinated adults hospitalized with flu had a 26% lower risk of intensive care unit (ICU) admission and a 31% lower risk of death compared to unvaccinated patients. Similarly, a 2018 study in New Zealand showed that vaccinated adults hospitalized with flu were 59% less likely to be admitted to the ICU. Vaccinated patients also spent an average of four fewer days in the hospital than those who were not vaccinated.
Flu vaccination is especially important for people with underlying health conditions, as they are at higher risk for serious flu complications that require hospitalization. For instance, separate studies have shown that flu vaccination can reduce hospitalizations among people with diabetes and chronic lung diseases, such as COPD.
In addition, flu vaccination during pregnancy has been found to reduce the risk of flu-associated acute respiratory infections and hospitalizations. A 2018 study showed that getting a flu shot during pregnancy reduced the risk of hospitalization with flu by an average of 40% from 2010 to 2016. Furthermore, vaccination during pregnancy also helps protect the baby from flu in the first few months of life, when they are too young to be vaccinated.
While flu vaccinations may not prevent all symptomatic cases, they are crucial in reducing the overall burden of flu-related hospitalizations and deaths. By getting vaccinated, individuals can lower their risk of severe illness and protect vulnerable populations, including young children, older adults, and those with chronic health conditions.
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Flu season is challenging for all, especially children
Flu season is a challenging time for everyone, but children are particularly vulnerable. This is especially true when vaccination rates are low. The flu vaccination rate for US children has dropped from about 64% five years ago to 49% in the 2024-2025 season. This season has been described as "highly severe" by the CDC, with an estimated 47 million illnesses, 610,000 hospitalizations, and 26,000 deaths.
Among the 2,000 hospitalized children, only about 53% had an underlying health condition, such as asthma or obesity. In contrast, 95% of the 5,200 hospitalized adults had at least one existing health problem. This suggests that children, even without underlying conditions, are at a higher risk of severe illness and hospitalization due to the flu.
The high number of pediatric deaths and hospitalizations during the 2024-2025 flu season has been attributed to declining vaccination rates and the proliferation of vaccine misinformation on social media. According to the CDC, the number of child deaths, at least 216, is the highest in 15 years, surpassing the previous high of 236 pediatric deaths in the 2009-2010 season.
The flu can be a serious and even deadly illness for children. It is important for parents and caregivers to take precautions to protect children from the flu, including getting an annual flu vaccine for children over 6 months old. While flu shots may not always prevent symptoms, they are highly effective at preventing hospitalizations and deaths.
To reduce the risk of getting and spreading the flu, it is recommended to practice good hygiene, such as frequent hand washing, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home when sick. Additionally, social distancing, mask-wearing, and avoiding crowded places during flu season can help reduce exposure to the virus.
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Adults hospitalized with flu have underlying health conditions
Flu (influenza) is a common respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. While most people recover from the flu within a few days to a week, it can cause severe illness and even lead to hospitalization and death. Certain individuals are at a higher risk of developing serious complications from the flu, especially those with underlying health conditions.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), underlying health conditions play a significant role in hospitalizations among adults with the flu. In a given flu season, the CDC gathers information about the health status of adults hospitalized with the flu. Their data revealed that a large majority (up to 95%) of hospitalized adults had at least one pre-existing health problem. This indicates that underlying health conditions are a critical factor contributing to hospitalizations in adults with influenza.
There are several underlying health conditions that can increase the risk of severe illness and hospitalization from the flu. These include respiratory conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), as well as other chronic lung diseases. Individuals with a history of kidney, liver, neurological, heart, or blood vessel disease, including stroke, are also at higher risk. Additionally, those with conditions affecting muscle function or the ability to cough, swallow, or clear fluids from the airways are more susceptible to severe flu complications.
Underlying health conditions can compromise an individual's ability to fight off the flu and may lead to life-threatening complications. For example, individuals with weakened immune systems due to diseases such as HIV/AIDS, cancer, or certain medications are at increased risk. Furthermore, specific racial and ethnic minority groups, including non-Hispanic Black persons, Hispanic or Latino persons, and American Indian or Alaska Native persons, have been identified as being at higher risk for hospitalization with the flu.
Pregnant women also face a higher risk of severe illness from the flu due to changes in their immune system, heart, and lungs during pregnancy. Vaccination is particularly important for this group, as it has been shown to reduce the risk of flu by up to half and protect both the mother and the unborn child during the first few months of their life. Overall, the presence of underlying health conditions significantly influences the likelihood of hospitalization among adults with the flu, and prompt vaccination is recommended for those at higher risk to reduce the chances of severe illness and hospitalization.
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Flu shots are recommended annually for everyone over 6 months old
The flu vaccination is an effective way to reduce the risk of hospitalization and death. While it may not prevent all symptoms, research shows that it significantly reduces the severity of the illness and the need for hospitalization. This is particularly crucial for those at higher risk, including young children, the elderly, and individuals with chronic health conditions.
Children younger than 6 months of age are too young to receive the flu vaccine. However, it is recommended that children older than 6 months get vaccinated annually. This helps protect them from the flu and reduces the risk of spreading it to vulnerable family members, such as infants under 6 months and older adults.
The CDC recommends that everyone over 6 months old get a flu vaccine every year, preferably by the end of October. This recommendation extends to caregivers of infants and young children to create a protective barrier around those too young to be vaccinated. The flu vaccine is available as an injection or a nasal spray, depending on the age and health status of the individual.
Getting vaccinated annually is essential because the influenza virus can change or mutate over time. By getting vaccinated each year, individuals can ensure they have the best protection against the most recent strains of the virus. Flu shots can reduce illnesses, visits to the doctor, missed work and school days, and make symptoms milder if one does get infected.
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Flu activity has been dropping since February
Flu activity has been on a downward trajectory since February. This is a welcome development, considering that the 2024-2025 flu season has been particularly challenging, especially for children.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 216 child deaths, the highest in 15 years, and the first high-severity season for all age groups since 2017-2018. The cumulative hospitalization rate is the highest since the 2010-2011 season, with 610,000 hospitalizations and 26,000 deaths from flu so far this season. The CDC estimates that at least 47 million people have been sickened by the flu, with 95% of the 5,200 hospitalized adults having at least one underlying health condition. In contrast, only about 53% of the 2,000 hospitalized children had similar health issues.
The severity of the flu season has been attributed to several factors, including the proliferation of misinformation about vaccines on social media, which has led to rising levels of vaccine hesitancy. Additionally, there are access issues, such as understaffed pediatric offices and pharmacies that do not vaccinate children. However, flu shots have proven effective in preventing deaths and hospitalizations, and health authorities continue to recommend annual flu vaccines for everyone aged six months and older.
The flu vaccination rate for US children has dropped from 64% five years ago to 49% in the 2024-2025 season. While flu vaccinations may not always prevent symptoms, they are highly effective at averting hospitalizations and deaths. The CDC estimates that the final pediatric death tally for the 2023-2024 flu season will be higher, as data compilation is still ongoing.
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Frequently asked questions
In a typical flu season in the US, it is estimated that between 300,000 and 500,000 people require hospitalization for serious illness.
During the 2024-2025 flu season, 216 children died, and there were 610,000 hospitalizations overall. Of the 2,000 hospitalized children, only about 53% had an underlying health condition.
Flu shots are highly effective at preventing hospitalizations and deaths. However, they may not prevent people from exhibiting flu symptoms.
The CDC recommends that everyone aged 6 months and older get a flu shot annually.
The decline in flu vaccinations is driven by online misinformation, particularly on social media, and the political schism that emerged around COVID-19 vaccines. Additionally, understaffed pediatric offices and limited vaccination services at pharmacies may also play a role.
