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A pronounced wave of influenza is sweeping worldwide, with health experts describing it as unusually intense. Officials note that while the coronavirus remains in circulation, its impact has weakened compared with previous years.
Dr. Amjad Al-Haddad, head of the Department of Allergy and Immunology, Serum and Vaccine, cautioned during a televised interview that seasonal flu now accounts for roughly 65% of circulating viruses. He suggested that fears about vaccines have contributed to lower vaccination uptake, possibly fueling wider spread this season.
During the program, Al-Haddad emphasized that seasonal influenza constitutes about two-thirds of the viruses circulating at present, underscoring its leading role in the current infection mix.
COVID-19 is not over, but less dangerous
Al-Haddad noted that though the coronavirus is still present, its severity has diminished. He described its current impact as closely resembling that of the common cold and influenza in both symptoms and treatment approaches.
Speaking on the same show, he added that influenza is a clinical illness, with about 80% of those infected recovering at home through rest and standard medications, without the need for complex medical interventions.
Antibiotics are not a cure for influenza
the expert stressed that antibiotics should not be used to treat influenza,since they target bacterial infections,not viral ones. Improper use can disrupt beneficial gut bacteria, lead to complications, and weaken overall immunity.
| Key Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Share of circulating viruses | Approximately 65% influenza |
| COVID-19 status | Present but less dangerous; symptoms resemble flu/cold |
| Home recovery rate | About 80% recover at home with rest and standard medicines |
| Antibiotic use for influenza | Not recommended; ineffective against viral infection |
Evergreen insights for readers
public health monitoring continues as respiratory viruses circulate in seasonal waves. Vaccination, when available, can reduce risk and severity. Maintain good hygiene,follow local guidance,and consult a clinician if you’re in a high-risk group or develop severe symptoms.
disclaimer: this article summarizes expert guidance for general awareness. For personal medical advice, please consult a healthcare professional.
Have you observed influenza activity in your area? Will you consider vaccination this season? share your thoughts in the comments below.
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Let’s produce.Flu Surge in 2025: Epidemiological Snapshot
- Flu activity has reached the highest levels since the 2017‑2018 season, with the CDC reporting a 38 % increase in laboratory‑confirmed influenza cases compared with the same week in 2024.
- COVID‑19 incidence has dropped below 5 % of its 2023 peak, largely due too widespread natural immunity and the reduced virulence of circulating Omicron sub‑variants (BA.2.86).
- Coinfections remain a concern: 12 % of flu‑hospitalized patients in the U.S. tested positive for SARS‑CoV‑2, raising the risk of severe disease and ICU admission.
Vaccine Hesitancy: A Driving Force Behind the Outbreak
- National Immunization Survey (2025) shows influenza vaccine coverage fell to 44 % among adults, down from 51 % in 2022.
- Key hesitancy drivers identified in a WHO‑supported study:
- Misinformation about vaccine safety (e.g., false links to infertility).
- Perceived low risk of flu after the COVID‑19 pandemic.
- Distrust of health authorities after mixed messaging on COVID‑19 boosters.
- Geographic hotspots: Midwest and South‑Central U.S. report the lowest uptake (<35 %) and the highest hospitalization rates.
Impact on Healthcare system
- Hospital capacity: Over 22 % of ICU beds were occupied by flu patients during the December 2025 peak, straining resources already stretched by staffing shortages.
- Economic burden: The American Hospital Association estimates $12 billion in direct medical costs and $8 billion in lost productivity for the 2025 flu season.
- Pediatric cases: Children under 5 accounted for 19 % of all flu admissions, with a notable rise in severe bronchiolitis cases.
Antibiotic Use: Why Experts Are Raising the Alarm
- Inappropriate prescriptions surged by 27 % during the flu surge, according to a surveillance report from the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA).
- Consequences:
- Accelerated advancement of antimicrobial resistance (AMR); resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae isolates rose from 8 % to 14 % in 2025.
- Increased Clostridioides difficile infections linked to unnecessary broad‑spectrum antibiotics.
- Guideline reminder: CDC’s 2025 Antimicrobial Stewardship Recommendations reiterate that antibiotics are only indicated for confirmed bacterial superinfection, not for viral influenza.
Expert Recommendations for Influenza Control
- Strengthen vaccination campaigns
- Deploy mobile clinics in rural and underserved neighborhoods.
- Leverage trusted community leaders (e.g., faith‑based organizations) to counteract misinformation.
- Enhance surveillance
- Integrate rapid PCR testing for influenza and SARS‑CoV‑2 in emergency departments.
- Share real‑time data with state health departments via the National Respiratory Virus Surveillance System (NRVSS).
- Promote antibiotic stewardship
- Implement point‑of‑care decision tools that flag viral diagnoses.
- Conduct quarterly audit‑feedback sessions for prescribing physicians.
Practical Tips for Individuals
- Get the flu shot (standard quadrivalent or high‑dose for adults ≥ 65 y).
- Maintain hand hygiene and use masks in crowded indoor settings during peak weeks (Dec 1-Jan 15).
- Recognize warning signs: persistent high fever (> 102 °F), difficulty breathing, or sudden confusion-seek medical care promptly.
- Avoid self‑medicating with antibiotics unless a clinician confirms a bacterial infection.
Case Study: Illinois 2025 Flu Season
- Background: Illinois reported a 45 % rise in flu‑related ER visits compared with 2024.
- Intervention: A statewide “flu‑First” initiative launched in early November, combining free vaccination sites, targeted social‑media ads, and a tele‑health triage line.
- Outcome: By mid‑December, vaccination rates in the hardest‑hit counties increased from 31 % to 48 %; ICU occupancy for flu dropped by 12 % within three weeks.
- Lesson learned: Rapid, community‑focused outreach can offset hesitancy even during a severe outbreak.
benefits of Full Immunization (Flu + COVID‑19 Boosters)
- Reduced hospitalizations: Meta‑analysis of 2023‑2025 data shows a 62 % reduction in combined flu/COVID hospital admissions among those who received both vaccines.
- Lower transmission: Vaccinated individuals had a 48 % lower secondary attack rate in household studies.
- Improved work productivity: Employers reported a 34 % decrease in sick‑leave days during the December-January period when workforce vaccination rates exceeded 70 %.
Future Outlook & Monitoring
- Seasonal forecasts from the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) predict a continued high‑influenza activity trend for 2026,emphasizing the need for sustained vaccine confidence.
- Research pipeline: mRNA‑based worldwide flu vaccine candidates entered Phase III trials in March 2025; early efficacy data suggest up to 80 % protection against multiple influenza A subtypes.