What’s Driving the 2025 Surge in Flu, COVID-19, and RSV in the USA?

02/24/2025

Why has 2025 Brought on the Worst Flu Season in the Last 15 Years?

It is said that the US is facing its most severe flu season ever since the swine flu of 2010. This raises the question: why is the 2025 flu season so severe?  

Some experts suggest that it is due to the late onset of the flu season, as it hit right when schools reopened for the new academic year, which led to higher chances of the flu spreading.

It is also because of the multiple strains of viruses, not only the usual influenza virus but also the added burden of COVID-19, RSV, and Norovirus. This sudden onset of all viruses together has caused some pressure to build up on the healthcare system in the USA. 

Some data also suggests that there has been an increase in the severity of flu cases where more people need to be hospitalized and/or taken to intensive care because of their amplified symptoms.

The last reason seems to be that many people have a compromised immune system due to the COVID era, and it appears to have continued to this time, resulting in both increased and more severe cases in the US. 

The Scary Secondary Infections:

The flu viruses themselves are usually not cause for concern, but they might give way to more serious illnesses such as pneumonia. This is because the primary illness weakens our immune system and results in the growth in the number of secondary infections. Some secondary infections that are coupled with the aforementioned viruses are:

• Bacterial Pneumonia

• Furuncles

• Cellulitis

• Pharyngitis

The flu can also cause many sinus and ear infections. Therefore, it is always recommended that you take care of yourself and not visit any public places where you might be exposed to all kinds of bacteria and viruses.

How is the US Healthcare system Holding Up?

With the rising cases and severity of this year's flu season, the hospitals are facing a very steep challenge. However, there are no reports that suggest that there are any shortages of amenities while treating patients. The major reasons that hospitals might be having this burden may be: 

The Low Vaccination Crisis:

While only 11% of the population is vaccinated against the latest COVID strain, it is making it difficult to treat all patients as the severity of cases is more than expected. Dr Mandy Cohen suggests that even if the shots do not completely protect you from the disease, they decrease the severity of it, making it easier to treat. The recent RSV surge is also concerning as it does not have any vaccination against it currently, and it affects certain groups of the population more than others, such as children, women, and senior citizens.

Visitors not following Guidelines in Hospitals:

Here are some guidelines that all people must follow while visiting the hospital:

• Limit patients to only visitors that are important to the care of the patient.

• Do not allow people with symptoms of the flu or any other virus to enter the patient's room or the premises of the hospital.

• Do not allow children below the age of 14 to help restrict the spread of minor infections.

• Do not come into the Emergency Department for minor symptoms of the flu that can be treated with some self-care and an antipyretic.

If these guidelines are not followed strictly, it may result in an increase in hospital stays for existing patients and a shortage of hospital beds, equipment, and other amenities for new patients.

How to Avoid the Flu?

While it is true that you cannot completely avoid the flu unless you're in a negative pressure chamber, you can certainly take steps toward decreasing your chances of contracting the flu by practicing some simple self-care habits: 

Wash your hands and face:

Always practice washing your hands and face with soap and water as soon as you step inside your home. It is also suggested that you keep your clothes separate and wash them as soon as possible, as they might have picked up some pathogens as well.

Avoid over-crowded areas: 

Places such as metro stations, malls, and public parks may be filled with all sorts of infections, including the flu; it is advised to stay out of crowded areas during peak flu season as it is easily transmissible.

Wear a mask: 

If you're in a public place, consider wearing a good quality mask that will keep you from touching your face or inhaling most of the pathogens that are hanging out in the air, waiting for you to inhale them. Also, carry a hand sanitizer and use it generously. 

Wear proper clothing for the winter season:

Maybe Grandma was right after all. It is essential that you keep your body temperature in check by wearing the appropriate clothing for your weather, as your white blood cells may have some issues fending off all kinds of bacteria if you are feeling cold, as it will expend more energy on keeping your body warm. 

Tips to Recover Quickly from the Flu

So, you already have the flu and want to get rid of it? There are no medicines that usually help with the flu. Even the latest antivirals cannot keep up with the ever-changing strains of viruses. So, here are a few ways to help your body fight off the virus better:

Do not take Antibiotics:

Your flu is caused by a virus, and the only thing that an antibiotic will do is destroy the good bacteria in your gut, as most broad-spectrum antibiotics are not targeted. The only medications you'll need are a multivitamin and an antipyretic to bring down your fever.

Do not Dehydrate:

Drinking enough water is the most important thing to do when you're sick. You are required to replace the fluids that are lost due to the constant, elevated body temperature, congestion, and other things that come along with the flu. 

Treat your fever, or maybe not:

If you have a slight fever, do not reach out immediately for the Tylenol on your counter. Your body elevates its temperature to create the ideal environment for white blood cells to function. If your fever is manageable, consider letting it be so that you can get better quicker. However, if you have a high fever, please take your medicines and visit the doctor if it continues for more than a week. 

Other Ways to Soothe Your Flu:

If you are suffering from a cough or other nasal distress, you can whip yourself a nice cup of ginger honey tea or hot soup to relieve the symptoms. You can also use over-the-counter decongestants to relieve some of that stuffiness you might feel in your nose.

Conclusion

This might be one of the worst flu seasons in the United States. Still, as long as everyone follows guidelines by the CDC and practices good hygiene and vigilant practices to stop spreading the diseases further, this storm shall pass, too, even with the four infections running rampant for now. It is of utmost importance that everyone stays updated on their vaccinations. Let this time be a reminder for all of us that diseases are under control only because of the constant efforts of the US Healthcare System. Do not forget to appreciate them for their efforts the next time you see them.

FAQs

1. What illness is going on around 2025? 

The recent quad-demic included the influenza virus, RSV, COVID-19, and Norovirus. Other diseases spreading steadily in 2025 are the bird flu and HMPV. It is essential to practice safe, sanitary habits to help prevent the spread of all these diseases. 

2. Is COVID-19 on the rise in 2025?

Although COVID-19 is a tale of the past and is not as big of a risk today, it has been spreading steadily in a few regions of the US. Everyone is advised to update their vaccinations against COVID-19 as they provide complete or partial immunity. 

3. Which populations are most at risk during this surge?

Children aged 0-4 years old who were born during the COVID era have suddenly been exposed to these diseases all at once. It severely affects their immune systems as they were not exposed to the outside world. Another demographic that has had issues with the surge of RSV is the older population, as this virus affects them more severely. 

4. What are the symptoms of the current flu outbreak?

If you experience mild symptoms such as a runny or congested nose, a slight fever, cough, and other flu-related symptoms, it may be a good idea to stay at home and recover. However, if your symptoms don’t go away with some over-the-counter medications within a week, consider contacting a medical professional for help. Seek emergency care if you happen to have a very high fever.