The worst flu season in 15 years has left hundreds of thousands of Americans hospitalized nationwide. According to the CDC, there have been at least 480,000 hospitalizations and 21,000 deaths from flu as of February 22.
D.C. has also seen a significant surge in flu cases, with 1,580 new positive cases in early February and then declining to 655 the last recorded week. Despite this decline, D.C.’s most recent numbers are still higher than the peak of last year’s season.
Experts warn that hospital admissions for flu are up at Children’s National, with unvaccinated children being at highest risk. Pediatrician Nia Bodrick says it’s not too late to get a flu vaccine and urges parents to be watchful for persistent fevers in their children.
The decline in seasonal flu vaccination rates over the past few years, combined with this year’s less effective flu vaccine (35% effective), may be contributing to the severity of this season. Reduced exposure to flu due to COVID-19 has also played a role.
Source: https://www.axios.com/local/washington-dc/2025/03/03/flu-severe-season-kids-dc