Flu season kicked off early a few months back and shows no signs of slowing down. After a peak in cases around the holidays, a second surge is slamming hospitals and urgent care clinics, making this flu season the worst in 15 years.
Currently, at least 45 states are reporting high or very high flu activity, with the Pacific Northwest hit especially hard. As of early February, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that since flu season began in October, there have been at least 24 million cases, 310,000 hospitalizations and 13,000 deaths in the U.S. – including 57 children.
What are the different types of flu?
There are four types of flu viruses – A, B, C, and D. Of these, A and B are the most common and severe flu strains.
- Influenza A makes up around 75% of flu infections and is most likely to cause widespread outbreaks. It can infect humans and animals and tends to cause more severe symptoms.
- Influenza B is less common and affects only humans. The strain usually peaks in the spring and is more common in children.
- Influenza C causes mild illness and is rarely linked to large outbreaks.
- Influenza D viruses mainly affect cattle.
The majority of flu cases in the U.S. are caused by two subtypes of influenza A: H1N1 and H3N2. Both are highly contagious. Influenza B is also circulating, but in smaller numbers.
What are the most common symptoms of flu?
Influenza A and B have similar symptoms and can range from mild to severe. The most common ones include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Nasal congestion
- Muscle or body aches
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea and vomiting (more common in children)
Who is at most at risk for flu complications?
Some people are at higher risk of developing serious complications from the flu, including:
- Young children: Children younger than 5 are at higher risk for complications from flu illness because their immune systems are still developing. Infants under 6 months are particularly vulnerable since they are too young to be vaccinated.
- Older adults: Adults 65 and older have weaker immune systems and can more easily catch the flu and experience severe symptoms. The CDC estimates that 90 percent of flu-related deaths occur in this age group.
- People who are pregnant: Immune changes during pregnancy can cause people to have more severe flu symptoms.
- People with chronic health conditions: Individuals with asthma, diabetes, heart disease, and other conditions are more vulnerable. The flu can also worsen their health conditions and lead to serious breathing issues.
Should I be worried about bird flu?
Bird flu (H5N1) is a strain of influenza A affecting wild birds, poultry, and other animals. While human cases are rare, people can contract it through direct, unprotected contact with infected birds or animals. The CDC reports that no person-to-person cases of H5N1 have been detected.
Here’s where things stand in the U.S. as of early 2025:
- Outbreaks: The virus is actively circulating in wild bird populations in multiple states. There have been sporadic outbreaks reported in poultry flocks and mammals.
- Human cases: Nearly 70 confirmed human cases of H5N1 have been reported since 2022, most of which have been mild. However, one person died from H5N1in January 2025. The individual was over 65 and had underlying health conditions.
- Impact on poultry – and egg prices: More than 150 million poultry birds have been destroyed to control the spread of H5N1, severely impacting egg production. The U.S. Department of Agriculture expects prices to keep rising until the outbreak slows.
- Recent case: In February 2025, a dairy worker in Nevada was infected with a different bird flu strain (D1.1), but his only symptom was pinkeye.
While H5N1 remains a concern for the poultry industry and animal populations, the CDC currently considers the risk to the general public as low. Health experts continue to monitor the situation closely.
Get reliable information about H5NI and other health issues
Due to recent actions by the current administration, some health data, including information about the growing bird flu outbreak – may no longer be available on the CDC website. You can visit the American Medical Association website for updates about bird flu and other public health issues.
How can I prevent getting the flu?
The best way to reduce your chances of getting the flu and spreading it to others is to get an annual flu shot. While health care experts typically recommend getting vaccinated in the fall, you can still benefit from the vaccine as long as the flu is still going around.
A flu shot not only lowers your risk of getting sick, but it also makes symptoms less severe if you do get the flu. The CDC recommends flu shots for everyone ages 6 months and older.
You can find a vaccination location near you at vaccines.gov, easyvax.com or through your state or county health department.
Additional flu-prevention tips include:
- Wash your hands frequently. If you need a refresher, the CDC offers tips on the right way to wash your hands.
- Cover your sneeze or cough. Aim for your elbow or cover your nose and mouth with a tissue.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay home when you’re sick.
- Practice healthy habits. Stay active, eat a balanced and nutritious diet, and get plenty of rest.
When should I get treatment for my flu symptoms?
Most healthy people with mild flu symptoms will get better on their own within a few days. While you’re covering, it’s important to drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated and get plenty of rest.
Over-the-counter medication can help ease symptoms:
- Ibuprofen or acetaminophen to relieve body aches, pain, and fever.
- Saline nose drops or sprays to loosen mucus.
- Cough and sore throat medicines.
Important note: Never give aspirin to children under 16 without approval from a health care clinician. Aspirin is linked to Reye’s syndrome in children and teenagers who have the flu or chickenpox.
It’s important to seek care if you have severe symptoms, your symptoms don’t improve after 7 to 10 days, or you are at risk for complications from the flu.
Indigo offers quick care and rapid flu testing
With flu cases on the rise in our region, Indigo Urgent Care is ready to meet the challenge and make it easy for you to get the prompt care you need. All Indigo locations offer rapid flu testing with results available in as little as 20 minutes.
Simply walk in, book a same-day or next-day appointment online, or schedule a face-to-face Indigo Virtual Care visit from the comfort of your couch or wherever your flu symptoms have you down. We’re here every day from 8 am to 8 pm, including holidays and weekends.
If you’re diagnosed with the flu early, one of our clinicians may prescribe antiviral treatment to shorten the duration of your symptoms and reduce their severity. For best results, antivirals should be started within 48 hours of the onset of symptoms.
When should you seek emergency care for flu?
In some cases, flu complications may require emergency care. Symptoms of a flu-related emergency can look different in children and adults.
For children, call 911 or visit your nearest ER if your child has any of the following symptoms:
- Fast breathing or difficulty breathing
- Bluish or gray lips or face
- Chest pain
- Lack of alertness when awake
- Severe muscle pain that prevents walking
- Dehydration
- Seizures
- Fever above 104oF
- Any fever in children younger than 12 weeks
- Symptoms that improve but return with a fever and worsening cough
For adults, seek emergency care if you or a loved experience:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Pain or pressure in the chest or belly
- Sudden or persistent dizziness, confusion or inability to arouse.
- Lack of urination
- Severe weakness or unsteadiness
- Symptoms that improve but return with a fever and worsening cough
- Worsening of chronic medical conditions
