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California is facing its worst flu season in years, with a significant surge in hospitalizations as the virus continues to circulate at high levels. Health officials warn that the flu could persist for several more weeks, straining hospitals and overwhelming emergency departments across the state.
According to the California Department of Public Health, this flu season has already been more severe than any since the COVID-19 pandemic began in early 2020. Data shows that flu test positivity rates at clinical sentinel labs in California reached 27.8% for the week ending February 1, surpassing the peak of the “tripledemic” winter of 2022–23, when flu, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) circulated simultaneously.
Flu Cases and Hospitalizations on the Rise
“We’re still on the way up,” said Dr. Peter Chin-Hong, an infectious-disease specialist at UC San Francisco. “Since the pandemic began, this is the first time that we’re mainly talking about flu rather than COVID.”
At least 10 pediatric flu deaths have been reported in California, including three teenagers in San Diego County. Nationally, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that flu has caused at least 11,000 deaths, including 47 children, and 250,000 hospitalizations this season.
Dr. Ankita Kadakia, interim public health officer for San Diego County, emphasized the importance of flu vaccination, noting that none of the deceased teens had received the flu shot. “These recent flu deaths among our youth are tragic and concerning as we head into what historically is the peak of flu season,” she said.
Low Vaccination Rates Raise Concerns
A decline in flu vaccination rates has contributed to the severity of this flu season. Nationally, only 44.5% of children under 17 had been vaccinated against flu as of late January—the lowest rate since the 2019–20 flu season. In California, the rate stood at 47.7%, a drop from 53.7% last year.
The CDC recommends that everyone over six months of age receive a flu shot, preferably by the end of October, but officials stress that getting vaccinated now can still offer protection.
Strains in Circulation and Hospital Capacity
The dominant flu strains this season include H1N1, related to the 2009 swine flu pandemic, and H3N2, which is known to cause more severe illness. Nationwide, genetic analysis of recent flu cases found that 54% were H1N1 and 46% were H3N2.
While bird flu remains a low risk for the general public, California has reported 38 human cases, primarily among those exposed to infected poultry or cattle.
Hospitalizations due to flu continue to rise, with the state’s flu-related admission rate reaching 10.1 new hospitalizations per 100,000 people—the highest mark of the season. Hospitals in major cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco are nearing full capacity.
Other Respiratory Viruses and Future Projections
Though flu remains the dominant concern, COVID-19 and RSV are currently at lower levels across the state. COVID-19 test positivity rates are at 2.4%, while RSV stands at 5%, according to the latest state report.
CDC projections indicate that flu-related emergency room visits may remain high in the coming weeks, and some health experts warn that the declining flu vaccination rates could leave more people vulnerable in future seasons.
“With respiratory infections circulating in our community this time of year, it is more important than ever for people to get a flu vaccine, as well as an updated COVID-19 vaccine and the RSV vaccine if eligible,” said Dr. Rais Vohra, Fresno County’s interim health officer.
Public Health and Misinformation Challenges
The CDC has also reported a decline in flu vaccination rates worldwide, with misinformation and vaccine hesitancy playing a role. Health experts remain concerned about the influence of vaccine skepticism, particularly as public figures continue to question vaccine safety.
Dr. Chin-Hong pointed to the broader trend of vaccine hesitancy, stating, “I just wonder if it’s part of a general shift, with figures like RFK Jr. questioning vaccines. The reduction in flu vaccination rates among children is striking.”
Conclusion
As California battles its worst flu season in years, health officials continue to urge vaccination and preventive measures to curb the spread. While COVID-19 cases remain low, the flu has once again become the dominant winter illness, pushing hospitals to their limits. The coming weeks will be critical in determining the overall impact of this particularly challenging flu season.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Readers are encouraged to consult healthcare professionals for personal medical guidance.
