Hospitals in major cities are reporting strain on resources as flu cases overlap with ongoing COVID-19 and RSV infections. Doctors say the combination of respiratory illnesses is putting pressure on staff and increasing wait times for care. Some hospitals have reinstated mask recommendations for visitors and staff in high-risk units, while urging the public to seek care early if symptoms worsen rather than waiting until illness becomes severe.
Vaccination rates remain a concern this season. While flu shots are widely available, CDC data indicates that a significant portion of the population has not yet been vaccinated. Health experts emphasize that it is not too late to get a flu shot, noting that vaccination can still reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and complications even if someone becomes infected. Antiviral medications are also being encouraged for high-risk patients when prescribed early in the course of illness.
Schools across the country have reported increased student absences, with some districts reminding families to keep sick children at home to limit further spread. Employers are also being urged to allow flexible sick leave policies, as staying home while ill remains one of the most effective ways to slow transmission.
The CDC expects flu activity to continue rising through January and possibly peak later in the winter. Health officials are advising people to practice good hygiene, including frequent handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, improving indoor ventilation, and avoiding close contact with others when sick. They also recommend seeking medical attention immediately for warning signs such as difficulty breathing, persistent chest pain, dehydration, or confusion.
As the flu season intensifies, public health leaders stress that awareness and prevention will play a key role in reducing the impact of the outbreak. With continued vigilance, vaccination efforts, and early treatment, experts say the severity of the season can still be mitigated, even as cases continue to climb across much of the country.