Flu cases have remained unusually high across two consecutive seasons, with the 2024–25 influenza season ranking among the most severe in recent years and early data from the 2025–26 season indicating that elevated transmission is continuing. Health officials say the persistence of high flu activity has contributed to noticeable increases in school absences, particularly among children and teenagers.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the 2024–25 flu season resulted in one of the highest levels of influenza-related illness since before the COVID-19 pandemic. The CDC estimates that the season caused more than 35 million illnesses nationwide, with approximately 16 million medical visits and over 400,000 hospitalizations. At least 25,000 flu-related deaths were reported, including more than 180 pediatric deaths.

CDC surveillance data showed that outpatient visits for influenza-like illness peaked above 7.5% nationally during the height of the 2024–25 season. Public health experts consider rates above 5% to reflect high flu activity, a threshold that was exceeded for multiple consecutive weeks.

Schools felt the impact acutely. Rather than widespread closures or staffing shortages, the surge was most visible through day-to-day absences, with students reporting multiple classmates out sick at the same time.

At the high school level, students say the effects were noticeable both academically and socially. Classrooms often had several empty seats, and group work became more difficult as attendance fluctuated from day to day. Teachers continued instruction as scheduled, but students noted that lessons felt less cohesive when peers were frequently absent.

Extracurricular activities were also affected, particularly programs that depend on close contact and consistent participation. Students involved in athletics and performing arts reported practices with reduced attendance as flu cases spread.

“During my dance and cheer practices, so many people were missing because they were sick with the flu,” junior Lindsay Stoller said. “There weren’t nearly this many absences earlier in the year.”

While flu activity typically declines after winter, health officials say the transition into the 2025–26 season has been marked by higher-than-expected early transmission. CDC preliminary data from the first half of the 2025–26 flu season shows influenza-like illness levels tracking above the same period last year in several regions.

Although final statistics will not be available until the season concludes, the CDC has reported sustained flu positivity rates in laboratory testing, particularly among school-aged children. Early outpatient visit data suggests flu activity began rising sooner than usual, increasing the likelihood of continued disruption in school settings.

Students say the ongoing pattern has made flu absences feel less like an isolated outbreak and more like a recurring trend.

“In school, I’ve noticed that so many of my friends and classmates were out with the flu,” junior Ellie Segal said. “The number of absences has been hard to ignore.”

Health experts attribute the sustained increase across seasons to several contributing factors, including declining flu vaccination rates among children and adolescents. According to CDC data, pediatric flu vaccination coverage dropped from approximately 63% before the pandemic to below 55% in recent seasons, leaving more students vulnerable to infection.

Lower immunity following several milder flu seasons has also played a role. Epidemiologists say reduced exposure can weaken population-level resistance, making outbreaks more severe when the virus resurges.

Schools remain particularly susceptible to flu transmission because students spend long periods indoors in close proximity, especially during colder months. Once introduced into a classroom, the virus can spread quickly before symptoms fully develop.

Despite the seriousness of the outbreak, some students have responded with perspective shaped by recent history.

“At least it’s not COVID,” junior Stella Lin said.

Public health officials caution against minimizing the flu’s impact. While COVID-19 reshaped public awareness of infectious disease, influenza continues to cause thousands of deaths annually and places significant strain on health care systems during peak months.

During the 2024–25 season, flu-related hospitalizations exceeded levels seen in several previous years, according to CDC reports. Pediatric hospitals in particular experienced increased admissions during peak weeks, heightening concern among health officials.

School nurses and administrators continue to encourage students to stay home when sick, practice good hand hygiene and seek medical care if symptoms worsen. Common symptoms include fever, chills, sore throat, body aches and fatigue.

The rise in absences has also raised concerns about academic continuity. Teachers report that students who miss several days may struggle to catch up, especially during exam periods or units that build sequentially.

Experts expect flu activity to fluctuate as the 2025–26 season continues, though they emphasize that vaccination remains effective even later in the season. The CDC continues to update weekly surveillance data and urges families to remain vigilant.

For students, the experience of back-to-back high-flu seasons has changed how illness is perceived in school communities. Empty desks and fluctuating attendance have become familiar sights, underscoring how seasonal illness can shape daily life.

As health officials monitor trends and schools adapt, the hope is that prevention efforts will help curb the spread. Until then, elevated flu activity remains a defining challenge of the school year.