Early indicators suggest the U.S. could be heading into another difficult flu season. Prolonged flu activity in the Southern Hemisphere and significant surges in parts of the Northern Hemisphere, including the U.K., have U.S. health systems preparing for heightened impact.
The 2024-2025 respiratory season saw the highest flu-related hospitalization rate in more than 10 years, with the peak arriving later than usual. While adults age 75 and older were most affected, hospitalization rates were elevated across all age groups due to multiple circulating viruses and many patients having underlying health issues.
The cumulative hospitalization rate was the highest since 2010-2011 and only 32% of hospitalized patients had been vaccinated, highlighting the importance of vaccination.
As respiratory viruses surge in the winter, providers face rising patient volume, staffing strain, and tighter supply availability. Cardinal Health clinical advisor Bridget Stovall warns that facilities unprepared for sudden spikes can experience delays in care and operational challenges, even when fully staffed. Last season’s peak didn’t hit until February, surprising many organizations.
“Respiratory season can get very chaotic,” Stovall said. “If a facility is caught off guard during a surge, the negative impacts can be significant.”
With similar patterns expected this season, she stresses the need for comprehensive preparedness, from patient flow to infection control.
