Pediatric hospital admissions for influenza have been climbing across the country since the beginning of the year, according to an AAP analysis of federal data.
An AAP study of respiratory-related pediatric hospital admissions based on National Healthcare Safety Network metrics published by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services shows influenza-related admissions have spiked between Jan. 4 and Feb. 1 for all pediatric patients. Admissions of patients ages 5-17 have seen a 145% increase, from 959 to 2,348.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) report on respiratory virus activity levels says its models suggest emergency department (ED) visits will remain high and may increase in most states. “Visits for influenza are increasing and highest among children ages 0-4 and 5-17 years of age,” the report said.
“Influenza comes around every winter. While there isn't really such a thing as a ‘good’ influenza season — every year we see thousands of deaths and hospitalizations — seasons vary in severity from year to year, and this is a particularly severe season,” said Sean T. O’Leary, M.D., M.P.H., FAAP, chair of the AAP Committee on Infectious Diseases.
For the week ending Feb.1, the percentage of all outpatient visits made for flu-like symptoms reached its highest level (7.76%) since the third week of the 2009-’10 flu season (7.72%).
Pediatric patients accounted for 33.3% of all influenza cases seen in EDs for the week ending Feb. 1, according to CDC respiratory illness statistics. That is the highest percentage reported for patients ages 0-17 in CDC data going back to October 2023.
Influenza patients of all ages accounted for 8% of all ED visits for the week ending Feb. 1, also the highest level reported in data going back to October 2023.
For the 2024-’25 season, 57 pediatric influenza-related deaths have been reported as of Feb. 1.
“The best thing a parent can do to protect their family from influenza is to make sure everyone gets vaccinated,” Dr. O’Leary said. “It's not too late for this season because we’re still seeing widespread circulation.”
Latest CDC numbers show 45.7% of U.S. children have received the flu vaccine this season.
The AAP and CDC recommend everyone 6 months and older get vaccinated against the flu and COVID-19. The vaccines can be given at the same time. In addition, eligible infants, high-risk toddlers, pregnant people and older people should get immunized against respiratory syncytial virus.
