Wed Dec 24 10:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Early Flu Season Overwhelms Hospitals, Particularly Impacting Children

Nationwide – Doctors across the country are reporting an unusually early and severe flu season, with children being disproportionately affected. Hospitals are seeing a surge in cases, prompting concerns about overwhelmed healthcare systems and potential spread during the upcoming holiday season.

“I don’t think I ever remember seeing it this severe, this soon,” said Dr. Suchitra Rao, an infectious disease specialist at Children’s Hospital Colorado.

Colorado and Michigan are among the current hotspots, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Physicians report seeing classic flu symptoms, including fever, body aches, and fatigue, with some children experiencing severe headaches, dizziness, and gastrointestinal issues.

“Flu, flu, flu. So much flu,” remarked Dr. Debra Langlois, a pediatrician at University of Michigan Health C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital.

Doctors are urging parents to seek medical attention for children with persistent fevers lasting two to three days. Demand for the antiviral drug Tamiflu is also on the rise, with pharmacies reporting increased demand and some independent pharmacies struggling to maintain sufficient supply.

However, Dr. Langlois cautions that Tamiflu is not a “miracle cure,” and is most effective when administered within 48 hours of symptom onset, primarily for high-risk patients and young children.

“The thing to think about for Tamiflu is that it shortens the duration of symptoms by about a day,” Langlois said. “It’s really best reserved for high-risk patients, like patients with chronic lung disease, and young kiddos under age 2.”

Health experts emphasize that vaccination remains the best form of prevention. Dr. John Schieffelin at Tulane University School of Medicine noted that vaccinated children are generally recovering well at home, while unvaccinated children are more likely to require hospitalization.

With the holidays approaching, doctors are urging individuals experiencing flu symptoms to avoid gatherings to protect vulnerable populations, particularly the elderly.

“At the risk of being a Grinch, if you have the flu and you actively have fevers, then you should stay home. Don’t go to family gatherings,” advised Dr. Bernard Camins, medical director for infection prevention for Mount Sinai Health System. “People will understand.”

The CDC recommends annual flu vaccines for everyone 6 months and older.

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