Influenza Outbreaks Are Increasing

New numbers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reveal what so many have suspected: This is the worst flu season in nearly a decade. This year’s influenza outbreak is more intense than ever since the 2009 swine flu pandemic and is still worsening. The CDC estimates there have been at least 24 million illnesses in the United States this season, and the country is now on track to equal or surpass the 2014-2015 flu season. CDC data indicates “the flu is still spreading wildly, with 49 of the 50 states reporting ‘widespread’ activity, and that more than eight percent of all deaths in this country are from the flu and pneumonia, the highest we’ve seen this winter.” Learn more about the increases in Influenza Outbreaks and how to prepare.

Influenza Outbreaks Are Increasing

As of February 2025, fifty-seven children had died from the flu and were reported to the CDC. The 2023-24 flu season recorded a record number of pediatric deaths for a non-pandemic season. People 65 years and older are at high risk and more likely to be hospitalized when they catch the flu.

Types of Flu

The flu is a viral respiratory illness most common during fall and winter. Types A and B are two different strains that are highly contagious and have similar symptoms.

Type A: This is the most common type of flu virus. It is more severe and hits earlier in the season. Influenza A is more likely to cause pandemics. This type can spread from infections in humans to animals and back to humans.

Type B: Flu B often peaks in spring and is less common than A. This type only spreads through human-to-human transmission. The virus spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

Influenza Outbreaks and Flu Symptoms

Common symptoms of Influenza A & B often include the following:

Fever
Body aches
Cough
Sore throat
Runny or stuffy nose
Fatigue

Symptoms of Flu A may be more severe and include muscle weakness and muscle aches. Gastrointestinal symptoms may occur in Flu B cases.

Prevention and Treatment For Influenza and Influenza-Like Illnesses

The influenza vaccine is an essential public health tool to help prevent the spread of the illness. The benefits of getting the flu vaccine include:

Illness Prevention
Reduced hospital visits
Decreases the number of flu-related deaths

Pandemic preparedness through influenza surveillance and coordinated response across the private and public sectors help keep everyone safe. Animal and human cases are monitored, and vaccines are developed.

Treatments include rest, increased fluids, and sometimes antiviral drugs. Doctors can prescribe antiviral medications, which work best if started within 48 hours of symptoms appearing.

So, stop at one of our Urgent Care Network locations ASAP to get back on the road to wellness this flu season.

Our Urgent Care Walk-In Clinics in Omaha, Bennington, West Omaha, Rockbrook, Crossroads & Bellevue, NE

Our staff works to provide prompt, personal, and professional care for all of our patients. We strive to provide the attention patients need in as quick a time as possible. Urgent Care Clinics in Omaha & Bellevue, Nebraska has three locations in the Omaha metropolitan area. Our three walk-in clinics are:

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