(CNN) — The United States is facing an unusually severe flu season, with hospitalizations surpassing the peaks experienced during certain phases of the Covid-19 pandemic.

In addition to flu infections, medical professionals are reporting a significant increase in serious complications related to the virus.

For children, doctors have noted an uptick in hospital admissions for neurologic complications, including acute necrotizing encephalopathy (ANE), a condition characterized by severe brain swelling and tissue death.

Adults are also experiencing troubling levels of pneumonia caused by superbug bacteria that are resistant to many antibiotics, specifically MRSA. Dr. John Lynch, an infectious disease expert at UW Medicine, remarked on the concerning rise in MRSA-related pneumonia occurring after influenza.

MRSA, or methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, can lead to serious complications and even death. Survivors may suffer from lung damage that impacts their breathing capabilities.

Bacterial pneumonia is a common follow-up to influenza, particularly among older adults. This year, healthcare providers believe the rise in such cases is due to the increased volume of flu cases, adding to their worries.

Reports from critical care nurses on social media indicate that intensive care units are overloaded with flu patients who have progressed to pneumonia and respiratory failure. One nurse from Maryland noted an influx of patients in their 40s suffering severely from the flu, likening the experience to the surge seen during the Delta variant of Covid-19.

Recent data from the CDC shows that during the week ending February 1, there were 14.4 flu-related hospitalizations for every 100,000 individuals in the US, which is slightly higher than the hospitalization rates for Covid-19 during the peak of the Delta wave in September 2021.

This season, the cumulative flu hospitalization rate stands at approximately 64 per 100,000 people, compared to around 44 for Covid-19. Notably, in the previous season, Covid-19 hospitalization rates were more than double those for flu.

Flu-related deaths have also outpaced Covid-19 deaths in recent weeks, with the CDC reporting 1,302 flu fatalities compared to 1,066 from Covid-19 during the last two weeks of January.

Across the nation, flu activity remains high, with roughly one in three individuals testing positive for the virus in clinical settings. In some clinics in Washington, half of the tests are returning positive.

Concerns Over Neurological Complications in Children

This week, Dr. Keith Van Haren, a pediatric neurology specialist at Stanford Medicine, called attention to a probable rise in cases of ANE this flu season. Hospital representatives have reported an unusual uptick in severe flu cases among children, particularly those exhibiting neurological symptoms.

While official reporting of ANE cases is not mandatory, discussions among medical professionals suggest a notable increase this season. Dr. Van Haren and his colleagues have observed 35 to 40 ANE cases at university hospitals over the last two flu seasons, with the majority occurring this year.

ANE, which may arise from various viral infections, including influenza, carries a mortality rate of about 50%. The condition leads to significant brain swelling, particularly affecting the thalamus, which can result in severe drowsiness and difficulties with wakefulness in affected children.

Although concerns have been raised regarding the possibility of bird flu, Dr. Van Haren has indicated that current evidence does not support that theory.

Dr. James Antoon, a pediatrician at Monroe Carell Jr. Children’s Hospital, has also observed an increase in neurologic complications like seizures among children afflicted by the flu this season, although it remains to be determined if these occurrences exceed expected levels.

Strain on Hospitals

Dr. Ryan Maves, a critical care medicine expert at Wake Forest University, remarked that the current flu season resembles the intensity of the 2009 H1N1 pandemic. He noted that hospitals are at capacity, reflecting a significant volume of patients requiring extensive medical care.

This season has seen two predominant strains of influenza—H1N1 and H3N2—circulating in roughly equal measures, which is atypical. According to Dr. Jennifer Nayak at the University of Rochester Medical Center, this dual presence complicates treatment and prevention efforts.

Vaccination rates remain low, with only about 44% of adults and a significant decline in pediatric vaccinations, raising further concerns among healthcare professionals.

Tragically, 57 children have died from influenza this season—an unusually high number for this period. Doctors emphasize the importance of vaccination in preventing severe flu outcomes.

As the flu season progresses, it remains essential for individuals to stay informed and take protective measures. Experts recommend getting vaccinated and employing additional health safety practices, including maintaining clean air circulation and practicing good hygiene.

If you fall ill, testing for flu is advised. Over-the-counter flu tests are easily accessible at pharmacies, and early use of antiviral medications can be crucial in mitigating the severity of infection.

“The preventative actions we discussed during the Covid-19 pandemic are equally effective against influenza,” Dr. Nayak concluded.

Contributions to this story were made by CNN’s Deidre McPhillips.

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