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For the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic began, influenza has overtaken Covid as the deadliest respiratory illness in California. Hospitals across the state are struggling to cope with the overwhelming surge in flu cases, leading to severe strain on the healthcare system.
This alarming spike coincides with historically low flu vaccination rates. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), only 44 per cent of adults and 46 per cent of children have received flu shots this season, a worrying trend that has contributed to the widespread transmission of the virus, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
Hospitals Under Pressure
“Our hospital is full to the brim,” said Peter Chin-Hong, an infectious disease expert at the University of California, San Francisco, in an interview with the San Francisco Chronicle. “Influenza seems to be everywhere.”
At local clinics in the Bay Area, more than 70 per cent of respiratory virus tests are now returning positive for influenza, surpassing cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), Covid-19, and even the common cold.
As of February 1, flu test positivity rates in California reached 27.8 per cent, while RSV cases dropped to 5 per cent, and Covid cases remained at 2.4 per cent, according to data from the California Department of Public Health.
Alarming Mortality Rates
Since July 1, California has recorded at least 561 flu-related deaths, with the majority occurring in individuals over the age of 65. The state has also seen 10 paediatric flu deaths this season, in contrast to just three paediatric Covid-related deaths during the same period.
On a national scale, the CDC estimates that the 2024-25 flu season has resulted in at least 29 million flu cases, 370,000 hospitalisations, and 16,000 deaths as of February 8. Medical professionals are particularly concerned about the simultaneous circulation of two influenza A strains—H1N1 and H3N2—in nearly equal proportions. This unusual pattern increases the risk of sequential infections, leading to more severe complications.
Severe Complications on the Rise
One of the most concerning complications emerging from the flu surge is acute necrotizing encephalopathy (ANE), a rare but severe brain condition that primarily affects children. ANE has a fatality rate of around 50 per cent and is now being reported in significantly higher numbers than usual.
Healthcare workers in California describe scenes reminiscent of the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic. Intensive Care Units (ICUs) are at capacity, filled with flu patients suffering from pneumonia and respiratory failure.
Additionally, experts are noting an increase in cases of MRSA pneumonia following flu infections. John Lynch, an infectious disease specialist at the University of Washington Medicine, told CNN that this secondary bacterial infection, caused by a strain of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, can lead to permanent lung damage.
A Call for Vaccination and Preventive Measures
Public health officials continue to stress the importance of vaccination. While the flu vaccine may not prevent all infections, it significantly reduces the risk of severe illness, hospitalisation, and complications. Experts predict that high flu activity will persist for at least another month to six weeks, with the potential for a secondary wave of influenza B cases in the spring.
As flu-related deaths continue to rise, medical professionals urge individuals, particularly those in high-risk groups, to take preventive measures such as vaccination, hand hygiene, and avoiding close contact with infected individuals.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available data and expert opinions as of February 2025. Information on influenza and Covid-19 is constantly evolving, and readers are encouraged to refer to official health agencies for the latest updates and guidance.
