Influenza activity in the United States during the 2024-25 was classified as high severity by the Centers for Disease Control. It was the highest flu season since 2017-18.
In the 2024-25 influenza season, clinical laboratories tested nearly four million respiratory specimens for influenza viruses using clinical diagnostic tests and reporting to the CDC, reported 489,579 (12.3 percent) tested positive, including 434,985 (88.8 percent) tested positive for influenza A and 54,594 (11.2 percent) for influenza B viruses.
The national weekly percentage of respiratory specimens that tested posted for influenza ranged from 0.4 to 31.6 percent. The highest peak came during the first week of February.
With Dec. 1-5, 2025, being National Influenza Vaccination Week, Midwest QIN-QIO has resources on how you can stop the spread of influenza, how you can monitor influenza data, and vaccination resources.
Midwest QIN-QIO Influenza Resources
Infection Prevention and Control is an emphasis of the Midwest QIN-QIO’s 13th scope of work. Because of that, the Midwest QIN-QIO has developed many resources to combat diseases and viruses. Some of these resources are focused on influenza control and the prevention of spreading. These resources include:
Influenza and Pneumonia Vaccine FAQs: Includes frequently asked questions about Influenza and Pneumonia vaccines. This resource also provides training material and guidance
Employee Health Influenza (Flu) Vaccine Consent or Declination Form: Provides healthcare facilities with a standardized way to document employee decisions regarding seasonal flu vaccination. It includes required health screening questions, informed consent for vaccination, and options for declination based on medical, religious, or other reasons. The form supports compliance with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommendations and helps organizations promote a safe environment for staff, patients, and the community
Sample Staff Vaccination Letter: Use this resource to send vaccination information to your employees. This letter has statistics on preventable influenza and pneumonia in the United States despite the availability of effective vaccines. This letter also emphasizes the importance of early immunizations.
NHSN HCP Flu Vaccination Tracker: This resource gives background and instructions on reporting healthcare personnel influenza vaccination rates. The vaccination data must be entered into the Healthcare Personnel Safety component of NHSN. If you or anyone at your facility does not have access to this component, please contact Midwest QIN-QIO or the NHSN help desk for assistance
Nursing Home Data Dashboard: The CDC Nursing Home Data Dashboard updates weekly with data such as vaccination, cases, and hospitalization among residents. Nursing homes report COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) data weekly to CDC’s National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN), including vaccination, cases, and hospitalizations among residents. Nursing homes also report COVID-19 vaccination data among healthcare personnel (HCP) to NHSN monthly. This page displays data among residents and HCP of CMS-certified nursing homes.
How to stop the spread of influenza
In addition to the Midwest QIN-QIO resources, the CDC has guidance for how you can protect yourself and others from getting the flu, and how to help stop the spread of germs.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Stay at home when you are sick
- Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing our coughing
- Clean your hands to help protect yourself from germs
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth
- Take steps for cleaner air by getting outdoors or purifying indoor air
- Practice good hygiene and other healthy habits such as cleaning frequently touched surfaces to help prevent the spread of illnesses
The CDC has also developed a list of recommended vaccines for the 2025-26 flu season.
Have a question about Midwest QIN-QIO’s work with influenza?
Contact Midwest QIN-QIO via email at contact@midwestqinqio.com, or visit the Contact Us page on the Midwest QIN-QIO website.
Resources