Flu cases in the U.S. have spiked dramatically, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting between 33 million and 56 million cases from October 1, 2024, to February 15, 2025. This surge marks the highest numbers since 2009, coinciding with a significant decline in vaccination rates. Only 45% of U.S. residents have received the flu vaccine this year, a 6% drop from pre-pandemic levels. Public trust in health institutions has also waned, with a recent poll revealing that one-third of Americans distrust local or federal health recommendations.
The Growing Toll of the Flu
While most people recover from the flu without medical intervention, it remains a serious health threat. The disease contributes significantly to mortality and morbidity in the U.S. In the past year, flu-related deaths reached 28,000, with the majority—72%—occurring in individuals aged 65 and older. Additionally, over 20,000 children under five were hospitalized due to complications from the flu. Last year’s flu season was the deadliest on record for children, with more than 200 child fatalities, 80% of which involved unvaccinated children. This flu season is on track to exceed previous years in both cases and deaths.
Racial Disparities in Flu Impact
Flu rates and mortality disproportionately affect Black Americans. Research from 2021, conducted by a Chicago-based research team, highlighted that one-third of the 30 largest U.S. cities show significant racial disparities in flu and pneumonia-related deaths. In Chicago, Black residents are 19% more likely to die from these conditions than their white counterparts. These disparities are largely due to unequal access to healthcare, lack of paid sick leave, and socio-economic inequalities.
Policy Failures Fuel the Crisis
The ongoing flu surge can be attributed to several policy failures, particularly under the Trump administration. During this period, significant cuts to federal funding for biomedical research and health initiatives have hindered efforts to address public health crises. The indefinite postponement of meetings for the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices and Louisiana’s decision to ban vaccine promotions are stark examples of these setbacks. These policy choices have led to a weakening of the country’s public health infrastructure, making it more difficult to manage the current flu epidemic and future outbreaks.
Moreover, proposed cuts to Medicaid and Medicare funding threaten to cripple hospitals, preventive care clinics, and providers of in-home care. These cuts would put additional strain on a healthcare system that is already struggling to respond to public health emergencies.
The Role of Vaccinations and Research
As public health researchers, we believe the key to managing the flu and other infectious diseases lies in evidence-based strategies. Maintaining and expanding Medicaid funding is crucial to ensure continued access to care, especially for underserved populations. The Affordable Care Act’s Medicaid expansion has improved health outcomes and strengthened hospitals’ financial positions nationwide, benefiting both rural and urban communities.
Investing in vaccination campaigns is equally vital. Vaccines save lives and reduce healthcare costs. According to the CDC, childhood vaccines have prevented over 1 million deaths and 32 million hospitalizations over the past 30 years, while saving an estimated $540 billion in direct healthcare savings and $2.7 trillion in societal costs. Strengthening vaccination efforts would go a long way in controlling flu outbreaks.
Additionally, protecting and funding biomedical research is essential. The rapid development and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines were possible thanks to years of foundational research. By investing in public health research and data analysis, we can identify vulnerable populations and tailor interventions to reduce illness and death in these groups.
The Path Forward
The evidence is clear: protecting and investing in public health infrastructure is essential to preventing unnecessary deaths, reducing healthcare costs, and ensuring that future public health crises are managed more effectively. While the Trump administration’s policies have weakened the country’s response to the current flu epidemic, the path forward lies in reversing these cuts and focusing on proven, evidence-based methods.
Public health professionals agree that we must prioritize preventive measures, including vaccination, research funding, and access to healthcare, to safeguard the well-being of all Americans. We share the same goal as the Trump administration—a more effective and efficient government—but we believe that this can only be achieved by bolstering public health systems, not dismantling them.
Flu cases are on the rise, but this epidemic can be better managed if policymakers prioritize public health investments and strategies based on scientific evidence. Restoring funding for Medicaid, promoting vaccination, and supporting biomedical research are crucial steps to ensuring the health and safety of all Americans. Let’s focus on proactive measures rather than waiting for the next crisis to unfold. For more on the latest developments in public health, visit Coleman News.
