As the flu continues to spread at alarming rates across the country, the devastating toll it takes on families is undeniable. February has been an especially difficult month for Families Fighting Flu, with 20 of our family members impacted—14 lives lost and 6 survivors fighting their way back to health. These individuals span all ages, from young children to adults, reinforcing an essential truth: the flu does not discriminate.
This flu season has overwhelmed hospitals, forced schools to shut down, and left families heartbroken. The reality is stark: the flu is not just a bad cold. It is a serious and potentially deadly virus that claims lives each year, and this season is proving to be one of the worst in recent history.
Tessa’s Story
On February 3, 2020, Tessa called her mom for an inhaler, thinking her mild asthma was acting up. When her breathing worsened, she went to the ER, where she was given fluids and breathing treatments but soon began coughing up blood. Transferred to the ICU, she told her mother, “I’m scared, Mommy.”
Doctors placed her on a ventilator, but her condition rapidly deteriorated—her kidneys failed, she needed blood transfusions, and she developed pneumonia, sepsis, and acute respiratory distress syndrome. Despite efforts at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Tessa passed away at 24 years old from Influenza B and pneumonia. Her family now advocates for flu awareness, hoping to prevent others from experiencing the same loss.
Kennedy’s Story
At two and a half years old, Kennedy was a happy, healthy toddler until she suddenly fell ill with the flu. Her pediatrician confirmed the diagnosis, but since she hadn’t received a flu shot that season, her risk of complications was higher. Sent home to rest, she seemed stable—until her lips changed color.
Rushing to the hospital, her mother watched as Kennedy became unresponsive in the car. Despite emergency efforts, she passed away from the flu. Just three weeks later, her family learned they were expecting another baby. Now, they advocate for flu vaccination, ensuring Kennedy’s baby brother and countless others are protected from this preventable tragedy.
A Nationwide Crisis: Flu Rates Continue to Surge
The flu is wreaking havoc across the country, overwhelming hospitals and forcing schools to close.
- Rising Cases and Hospitalizations: As of February 1, 2025, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that at least 29 million people have contracted the flu this season. The American Medical Association states this has been the worst flu season in 15 years, since 2009.
- Overburdened Healthcare Systems: Emergency rooms in many states are operating beyond capacity due to flu-related admissions. Some hospitals have had to divert patients to other facilities due to a lack of available beds.
- School Closures: Schools in at least 10 states have temporarily shut down to curb the spread of the flu, as attendance plummets and staff shortages increase. Entire districts have reported absentee rates above 30%, making it impossible to keep classrooms open.
It’s Not Too Late to Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones
As families prepare for spring break travel, it’s more important than ever to take precautions against the flu. The vaccine remains the best defense, significantly reducing the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death. It’s not too late to get vaccinated—protection is still possible before exposure.
In addition to vaccination, here are a few key steps to help prevent flu transmission:
- Practice Good Hygiene: Wash hands frequently with soap and water, and avoid touching your face.
- Stay Home if You’re Sick: If you or a family member have flu symptoms, rest and isolate to prevent spreading the virus to others.
- Wear Masks in High-Risk Areas: In crowded places, especially during travel, wearing a mask can provide an added layer of protection.
- Seek Medical Help Early – Get Tested: If you or a loved one experience severe flu symptoms, don’t wait to seek medical care. Antiviral treatments can help reduce the severity and duration of illness if taken early in the first 48 hours.
A Call to Action: Honoring Those We’ve Lost, Protecting Those We Love
The 14 lives lost this February were not just statistics. They were children, parents, siblings, and friends—each with a future unfairly cut short by the flu. Read more here.
At Families Fighting Flu, we share these stories not to instill fear but to spread awareness. Our mission is to honor those we’ve lost and protect others from suffering the same fate. We urge every family to take the flu seriously, get vaccinated, and remain vigilant.
Together, we can fight the flu and save lives.
For more information and resources on flu prevention, visit Families Fighting Flu.