The whole of United States is struggling with its worst flu season in more than a decade, with record rates of infection, more hospitalizations, and an alarming number of deaths. So far, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that the current flu season has already tallied at least 24 million cases, 310,000 hospitalizations, and 13,000 deaths, including 57 children. As flu activity refuses to slow, the current season promises to be one of the most severe in recent history. But what's behind this severe flu season, anyway?Researchers are also developing a more powerful flu vaccine that offers longer and broader protection. Researchers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) are testing new vaccine designs that elicit a stronger immune response to several flu strains. These developments could ultimately result in a universal flu vaccine that would obviate the necessity for yearly shots.Flu Cases and Hospitalizations Are at an Unprecedented HighFor the week of February 1, 2025, respiratory conditions, such as the flu, comprised 7.8% of all medical visits—a percentage not experienced since the 2009-2010 flu season. This increase in flu doctor visits and hospitalizations is a strong indicator that the virus is spreading rapidly throughout the nation. In comparison, the 2017-2018 flu season, which was then deemed one of the worst, peaked at 7.5%.The proportion of flu-positive tests reported by clinical laboratories has also increased sharply, with 31.6% of tests testing positive for influenza, compared to 28.5% the week before and almost doubling from early January levels. The steady increase in flu cases suggests that this season is not yet finished, and experts caution that high flu activity may continue for several more weeks.Most Vulnerable Groups Are at Greater RiskWhereas flu symptoms usually take one to two weeks to resolve, the virus may cause dangerous complications such as pneumonia, inflammation of the heart, failure of organs, and sepsis. The virus is especially dangerous for certain populations, such as elderly people, pregnant women, young children, and people with ongoing medical conditions such as asthma and kidney disease.As of now, 57 kids have lost their lives from influenza complications this season, and 10 children's deaths were documented within a week alone. The increased child mortality rate indicates how dangerous this flu epidemic is and calls for questions about possible underreporting in some areas.Widespread Flu Activity Across the CountryFlu activity continues to be widespread, and 32 states are reporting "very high" rates of respiratory disease. Most severely affected among these are Massachusetts, Michigan, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas. This widespread geography serves to reflect the flu's aggressive nature as well as call for increased public health responses.Facts About the Flu Season Which Render It SevereA number of factors explain this severe flu season:Spreading Flu VirusesThis year's leading flu viruses are influenza A H1N1 and A H3N2, both of which have a tendency to produce more serious illness. Influenza A viruses change more often, making it more difficult for immunity to catch up.Decreased Vaccine UseCDC statistics reveal a drop in the use of flu vaccines in comparison to other years. Up to November 30, just 37% of US children had been vaccinated against the flu, compared to 43% at the same point last year.Vaccine EffectivenessAlthough vaccines are reformulated annually, effectiveness can differ. Preliminary information indicates that the vaccine this year is only 39% effective in preventing children under the age of five from being hospitalized compared to 61% last year.Immunity Gaps After COVIDAlthough social distancing and masking throughout the COVID-19 pandemic reduced flu cases in earlier years, they might have also undermined population immunity, making individuals more susceptible to serious flu infections this year.Flu Deaths Now Exceed COVID-19 DeathsFor the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic began, flu deaths outnumbered COVID-19 deaths in the US. For the week ended January 25, 1.7% of total deaths across the country were due to the flu, versus 1.5% for COVID-19. That is a dramatic change and speaks to the need for ongoing flu prevention measures.Can a 'Supercharged' Flu Virus Arise?Experts caution of one possible risk of co-infection with seasonal flu and avian flu (bird flu). If a person gets both viruses at the same time, there is a theoretical possibility that genetic reassortment may take place, and a more contagious and virulent strain of flu would emerge. Although the vaccine for seasonal flu does not provide immunity for bird flu, decreased cases of flu in total might decrease the likelihood of such co-infection from happening.What Can Be Done to Stay Protected?Even though this flu season has been so bad, public health officials point out that it is not too late to get vaccinated. Flu season usually peaks in February but can last into May, so there is still time to get protected. The CDC advises that everyone six months and older get an annual flu vaccine.Other preventive steps include:Frequent Washing of Hands: Frequent hand washing with soap and water can act as prevention of the spread of flu viruses.Use of Masks in Public: In flu-active areas, using a mask can decrease chances of getting infected.Home Rest When Ill: Staying home when ill with symptoms of flu can prevent transmission to others.Antiviral Drugs: Antiviral medications such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu) taken early in the course of the illness can decrease the severity and duration of the symptoms of flu.The 2024-2025 flu season is one of the most significant in recent history, with high rates of infection, serious complications, and high mortality. Although the exact course of the season is unclear, it is certain that the flu is a strong public health threat. Implementing preventive strategies, such as vaccination, can also have an effect in slowing down the spread and preventing severe illness. With ongoing flu season, staying informed and being proactive will be essential to safeguarding the people and population from this constant virus.