Flu season is hitting Utah particularly hard this year, raising concerns among health professionals despite the assertion that this isn't a 'super flu.'
SALT LAKE CITY — The 2025-26 flu season is shaping up to be quite formidable. As flu cases escalate across the nation, Utah is also witnessing a notable increase in both infections and hospitalizations.
During a press briefing on Wednesday morning, Dr. Andrew Pavia, a pediatric infectious disease expert affiliated with the University of Utah Health and Primary Children's Hospital, shared crucial data from the Utah Department of Health. He highlighted that 4% of outpatient visits are currently related to influenza-like illnesses. "While this figure indicates a concerning trend, what’s even more alarming is that the hospitalization rate in Utah stands at 8.42 per 100,000 residents," he explained. This statistic suggests that the current flu season has already reached or slightly exceeded the peak levels of last year's notably severe flu season, which saw a significant rise in hospital admissions due to influenza.
The populations most at risk for flu infections are individuals aged 65 and older, followed closely by children under the age of four, Pavia added.
"In recent weeks, I have encountered some extremely severe and alarming cases of influenza in children, including several who required advanced life support," he stated, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation. However, he pointed out an important fact: most, if not all, of those who were hospitalized with severe complications had not received their vaccinations.
On a national scale, medical professionals have reported a surge in flu infections across the United States during the holiday season, with numbers surpassing those seen during the 2024 winter epidemic. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there have been approximately 11 million cases of illness, 120,000 hospitalizations, and about 5,000 fatalities attributed to the virus this season.
Among the strains circulating in Utah this year are the H3N2 subclade K and influenza B H1N1. Dr. Pavia noted that the H3N2 strain emerged after the flu vaccine was already in production, resulting in a less than ideal match between the circulating virus and the vaccine formula. Nevertheless, he reassured the public that evidence suggests the vaccine remains effective in preventing hospitalizations and minimizing severe illness.
He also addressed the misconceptions surrounding the term "super-flu" that have arisen in some media reports regarding the latest strain. "There’s nothing about the current strain that we understand to be super; however, it does indicate that the vaccine isn't performing as effectively as we would hope," Pavia clarified.
In terms of treatment, several antiviral medications, such as Tamiflu and Zofluza, are available and are especially recommended for high-risk individuals when taken within the first 48 hours of experiencing flu-like symptoms.
Symptoms of influenza often present suddenly and can lead to more severe complications, according to the CDC. Some common signs and symptoms include:
* Fever
* Cough
* Sore throat
* Runny or stuffy nose
* Muscle or body aches
* Headaches
* Fatigue
Additionally, while vomiting and diarrhea can occur, they are more frequently seen in children compared to adults.
Typically, individuals infected with the flu will recover within a few days to under two weeks. However, some may develop severe complications that could pose serious health risks and even lead to death.
For those who find it challenging to access medical facilities, at-home tests for influenza are now available, similar to COVID-19 testing kits, offering a convenient alternative.
Health experts advise individuals to get vaccinated against the flu between late August and late October to ensure optimal protection, as the vaccine provides immunity for about five months, covering the busiest part of flu season. "Don’t delay your vaccination. Avoid waiting until the last week of October, as it’s easy to forget, and before you know it, flu season will be upon us, and you won’t be protected," he warned.
