Doctor Visits for Flu Reach 15-Year Peak

February 10, 2025

Doctor’s visits for the flu have reached the highest levels in the last 15 years, according to the latest public health reports.

In its latest report, the CDC indicated outpatient visits for flu-like illnesses have reached the highest level since the swine flu pandemic during the 2009–2010 season.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Outpatient visits:  About 8 percent of visits to health care providers this week were for respiratory illness, the CDC reported.
• Pennsylvania outlook:  Flu levels remain "very-high" in Pennsylvania, with nearly 100,000 laboratory-confirmed cases since the start of the season.
  • Emergency department visits from the flu also are very high, especially for children between 0 and 4.
  • As in previous weeks, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) activity is high but decreasing.
  • Visits to the emergency department due to COVID-19 also are declining for all ages. 
• Emergency department levels:  While outpatient visits for flu-like illnesses remain high, emergency department visits have remained relatively level nationally.
  • In Pennsylvania, 16.38 percent of emergency department visits were for respiratory symptoms, up 1.13 percentage points from a week prior.
• Severe cases:  Since October 1, there have been 179 influenza-related deaths reported in Pennsylvania and 661 COVID-19-related deaths.
• Bottom line:  “There are prescription flu antiviral drugs that can treat flu illness; those should be started as early as possible and are especially important for patients at higher risk for severe illness,” the CDC noted.

HAP continues to encourage everyone to follow the proper public health precautions, including thoroughly washing hands, covering coughs and sneezes, staying home when sick, and getting vaccinated against COVID-19 and the flu.

Additional information on the latest statewide public health figures is available online.