Breaking: “Deaths this year” is no longer an abstract worry. A fast building flu wave is making more people very sick, especially older adults. Hospital teams are activating surge plans. The signal is clear. Flu activity is climbing now, and it is likely to rise further in the weeks ahead.
What I am seeing right now
New national surveillance shows flu cases increasing across much of the country. The curve is bending upward earlier than many expected. A circulating strain has a history of hitting seniors harder, and that pattern is showing up again. More adults over 65 are landing in the hospital with pneumonia, dehydration, and breathing trouble tied to flu.
Emergency departments are moving into capacity mode in several regions. In Cincinnati, ERs have put extra triage and cohort care in place to keep the sickest patients moving quickly. Hospitals are balancing flu, COVID, and RSV at once. That overlap pushes beds, staff, and supplies to the edge.
The result is a real risk of preventable deaths this year if we do not act. The good news is that simple steps still work, even when spread is high. [IMAGE_1]
Why older adults face higher risk
This year’s dominant flu strain tends to cause more severe illness in seniors. Aging immune systems react less strongly to new virus signals. Chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, COPD, and kidney disease raise the odds of complications. Fever and inflammation can also stress the heart. That is why heart attacks and strokes can increase during flu peaks.
It is not only about age. People who are pregnant, or who are on immune suppressing drugs, also face higher danger. Children under 5, especially under 2, can decline fast. Preventing infection and starting treatment early makes the biggest difference for these groups.
Go to the ER now for chest pain, trouble breathing, bluish lips, severe dehydration, confusion, or if a child has fast breathing or cannot stay awake.
What to do today to lower risk
The window to blunt this surge is open. Take these steps now to cut severe illness and deaths this year.
- Get a flu shot as soon as possible. It lowers the risk of hospitalization and death.
- If you get sick, call your clinician within 48 hours. Ask about antivirals like oseltamivir.
- Wear a high quality mask in crowded indoor spaces. Ventilate when you can.
- Wash hands often, avoid close contact when sick, and stay home if you have a fever.
Even if you had flu before, you can get it again with a different strain. Even if the vaccine is not a perfect match, it still reduces the worst outcomes. For adults 65 and older, ask about a higher dose or adjuvanted flu shot, which can prompt a stronger response. If you are 65 or older, also ask your clinician about pneumococcal vaccination. It helps prevent severe bacterial pneumonia that can follow flu.
Antivirals work best when started within 48 hours of symptoms. Mark your first day of fever on your calendar and call promptly. ⏱️
Build a simple sick-day kit
Keep a small kit at home so you can start care fast if symptoms hit.
- Thermometer and fever reducer, acetaminophen or ibuprofen
- Rapid tests for flu and COVID, ask your clinician about access
- Fluids with electrolytes, soup, and tissues
- A pulse oximeter if you are older or have lung or heart disease
What hospitals are doing, and how you can help
ERs are taking steps to handle surges. That includes adding triage nurses, cohorting respiratory patients, and moving some non-urgent care to clinics. Ambulance teams are being asked to give heads up calls before arrival. Some hospitals are using overflow space to keep beds available for critical cases.
You can help keep capacity open. Use telehealth or urgent care for mild illness. Call your doctor for guidance, especially if you are high risk. Know when to escalate. If you are unsure, most health systems offer nurse lines that can advise in minutes. Bring a list of your medications to any visit. That saves precious time.
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Protect the people you love
If you have older parents or neighbors, check in now. Offer rides to vaccine appointments. Drop off masks and hand sanitizer. Help set up a sick plan. That plan should include who to call, which pharmacy to use, and how to get food and fluids if they need to isolate.
If you live with someone at high risk, reduce exposure. Mask in crowded places, wash hands when you come home, and test early if you feel off. If you are sick, sleep in a separate room, use separate towels, and improve airflow by opening a window if weather allows.
The bottom line
We can change the story on deaths this year. Flu is rising, and it is hitting seniors harder, but we have tools that work. Vaccination, early antivirals, masking in crowded spaces, clean hands, and staying home when sick can save lives. Act today, and help someone older act too. That is how we protect each other and keep hospitals ready for anyone who needs them.
