These States Seeing Highest Rates As Flu Hospitalizations Spike Amid Worst Season In Years

The flu is surging across the United States, reaching its highest severity in 15 years. Overcrowded hospitals, long ER wait times, and visitor restrictions have made this one of the worst flu seasons in recent history.

States in purple (very high) and red (high) are now being hit hardest by flu cases.
Photo Credit: *CDC*

Joe Lombardi

02/25/2025 7:00 a.m.

In early February, flu-related doctor visits and hospitalizations hit their highest levels since the 2009 swine flu pandemic, according to the CDC. The agency reports that at least 33 million Americans have already been sickened during the 2024–2025 flu season.

Key Figures

(as of Feb. Friday, 21, per CDC estimates):

33 million illnesses
430,000 hospitalizations
19,000 deaths, including 86 pediatric fatalities

The CDC’s FluView report classifies current flu activity as “high severity.” The virus is widespread in 42 states and the District of Columbia, with the South, Southeast, and Midwest seeing the highest rates of infection.

Outpatient visits for flu-like symptoms are at record levels, surpassing any peak since the 2010–2011 season. Most cases stem from influenza A strains (H3N2 and H1N1), which tend to be more severe in adults.

As emergency departments remain overwhelmed, health officials urge high-risk groups—especially seniors, young children, and those with underlying conditions—to take extra precautions.

Check back to Daily Voice for updates.

Click here to follow Daily Voice Deptford and receive free news updates.