Emergency rooms across the United States are feeling the strain as flu season reaches its peak, with states like Iowa and Georgia experiencing a surge in severe cases and hospitalizations. According to UnityPoint Health, a leading hospital system in central Iowa, the number of patients seeking emergency care for flu-like symptoms has hit record highs, prompting officials to urge the public to reserve ER visits for only the most serious symptoms. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently classified Iowa's flu activity as "high" for the first time this season, underscoring the seriousness of the current outbreak.
This spike in flu-related hospital visits is not unique to Iowa. In Georgia, more than 300 people have been hospitalized with the flu since December 21, 2025, a number that reflects the severity of this year's influenza season. The CDC's latest estimates paint a sobering picture nationwide, with over 81,000 flu hospitalizations and more than 3,100 deaths already recorded this season. Pediatric deaths, in particular, are continuing to climb, a trend that has alarmed health professionals and families alike.
Dr. Ashley Priaulx, a physician and vice president and medical director at UnityPoint Health, has been at the forefront of managing the influx of patients in Iowa. She cautions that emergency rooms should be reserved for those experiencing severe or life-threatening symptoms, such as chest pain or shortness of breath. "If your symptoms are mild, visit your primary care provider and urgent care or express, or our virtual urgent care platform," Dr. Priaulx advised, as reported by local news outlets. She further emphasized the importance of drinking plenty of fluids, resting, and considering a flu shot to reduce the risk of infection.
Georgia, too, is grappling with higher-than-normal infection rates. Dr. Earl Stewart Jr., Medical Director of Health Equity at Wellstar, recently addressed the public's top flu-related questions, highlighting the dominance of Influenza A—particularly the H3N2 strain—across the nation and in Georgia. This strain is associated with more severe illness, especially in children, older adults, and those with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes, and heart disease. "Common flu symptoms include sudden high fever, body aches, fatigue, sore throat, and cough," Dr. Stewart explained, noting that children may also experience nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
For most, flu symptoms last between five and seven days, though lingering fatigue and cough can persist for two weeks or more. Some individuals may even experience post-viral symptoms, such as respiratory distress, up to 21 days after the initial illness. The flu's contagiousness is another concern: people can spread the virus one day before symptoms appear and remain contagious for up to a week after becoming sick. Younger children, in particular, may transmit the virus even longer, contributing to the rise in pediatric cases and deaths this season.
With hospitals under pressure, health officials are urging the public to recognize when to seek medical care—and when to stay home. Dr. Stewart outlined clear guidelines: "Call your doctor or visit Urgent Care if fever lasts more than three days, symptoms worsen, you’re pregnant or have a chronic condition, or a child is lethargic, not drinking fluids, or vomiting." For more serious signs—such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, confusion, bluish lips or face, or signs of dehydration like little urine, dry mouth, or no tears—he advised heading straight to the emergency room.
Treatment for the flu generally falls into two categories: supportive care and antiviral medication. Over-the-counter remedies like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help manage fever and body aches, while fluids and rest remain essential. For high-risk patients or those hospitalized, antiviral medications such as Tamiflu can shorten the course of illness, especially if started early. Dr. Stewart cautioned against giving aspirin to children, a practice linked to rare but serious complications.
Prevention, of course, is key. The CDC recommends that everyone aged six months and older receive an annual flu vaccine, a message echoed by both Dr. Priaulx and Dr. Stewart. The vaccine has been shown to reduce hospitalizations and the risk of severe illness or death, making it especially important for children and vulnerable adults. Pharmacies like Hy-Vee, Walmart, Walgreens, and CVS are making it easier than ever to get vaccinated, offering both appointments and walk-ins, with most insurance plans covering the cost.
Beyond vaccination, experts stress the importance of everyday precautions: washing hands frequently, staying home when sick, masking if needed, and avoiding touching your face. Dr. Stewart also recommends getting enough sleep, staying active, eating well, and maintaining hydration. These simple steps, he says, "can reduce your risk, keep your family healthy, and ease the strain on hospitals."
UnityPoint Health's advice echoes these sentiments. Dr. Priaulx highlighted that while the ER is always there for those with severe symptoms, most flu cases can be managed at home or with a primary care provider. "If you do have severe symptoms and need to see an emergency room provider, if you have chest pain or shortness of breath, they're there to help take care of you as well," she reassured.
The dominance of the H3N2 strain this season has made the flu particularly dangerous for certain groups. According to CDC data, children, the elderly, and those with underlying health conditions are at the greatest risk of complications. The rising number of pediatric hospitalizations and deaths has led to renewed calls for vaccination and vigilance, especially among families with young children.
As the flu season continues to unfold, public health officials are keeping a close eye on infection rates and hospital capacity. The hope is that with widespread vaccination and adherence to preventive measures, the worst impacts can be mitigated—even as hospitals like UnityPoint Health and Wellstar remain on alert for further surges.
For now, the message from health professionals is clear: take symptoms seriously, seek care when needed, and do your part to prevent the spread. With the right precautions, communities can weather this challenging flu season and help protect those most at risk.
