Flu Cases in Louisiana Surge, Hospital Visits Climb—Here’s What to Know

LAFAYETTE, La. (KPEL News) - As we enter the last weeks of peak flu season, health officials are warning residents about rising flu cases, increased hospital visits, and ongoing RSV activity.

With one pediatric flu-related death reported and the highly transmissible A/H3 strain dominating cases, experts urge residents to take precautions.

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The latest Influenza & Other Respiratory Viruses Surveillance Report from the Louisiana Department of Health confirms that flu activity is well above normal levels, with more than 9% of emergency room visits linked to flu-like symptoms. Here’s what you need to know about the current flu outbreak in Louisiana and how to stay protected.

Louisiana Flu Rates Surge

Louisiana is seeing a major spike in flu cases, according to LDH data, with the latest report showing above-average flu-like illness (ILI) activity across the state. That ILI is among the highest in the country, even above the already-high southern states surrounding it.

According to data for the week ending January 25, 2025, 9.7 percent of emergency department visits were due to flu-like symptoms, well above the regional baseline of 3.9 percent.

It's gotten to the point where several medical offices have taken to swabbing patients if they even report a minor symptom or two. At this point, some in the medical field told KPEL News, if you have even one or two minor symptoms, chances are you've got the flu.

Flu Positivity and Virus Spread

And the data seems to confirm that. Testing results around the state confirm that 20.8 percent of flu tests in Louisiana are coming back positive, indicating a widespread outbreak.

Nationally, the flu positivity rate is 29.4 percent, showing that Louisiana's flu season is in full swing but still slightly lower than the national trend. Still, the number of people showing symptoms is concerning.

Experts warn that cases are continuing to rise, suggesting the worst may not be over.

Flu-Associated Mortality and At-Risk Populations

So far, one pediatric flu-related death has been reported in Louisiana, with 47 flu-related pediatric deaths nationwide. Additionally, 87 percent of Influenza A cases in Louisiana have been identified as A/H3, a strain known for causing severe illness, particularly in older adults.

There are plenty of preventative measures you can take to try and prevent catching it, including washing your hands, communicating with others ahead of social gatherings, and more.

RSV and Other Respiratory Viruses in Louisiana

Adding to the concern, RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) season is still active, affecting infants, young children, and older adults.

Other respiratory viruses such as Rhinovirus, Adenovirus, and Human Metapneumovirus are also circulating, which can be seen in the pharmacy section of your local grocery stores. Regulars like DayQuil, NyQuil, Mucinex, and more seem to be flying off the shelves.

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What Louisiana Residents Need to Know

With flu activity surging across the state of Louisiana, it's never too late to get a flu vaccine if you haven't gotten the flu yet, practice good hygiene, and keep an eye and ear out for potential exposure.

The last thing you want is to catch the flu.