Stay informed on the 2025 flu surge; understand symptoms, prevention, and how to protect your family during the season.

Introduction

In recent weeks, many Nigerians have noticed something different in the air; a growing number of people are coughing, sneezing, running fevers, or complaining of fatigue that doesn’t go away in a few days. From crowded commercial buses to corporate offices, schools, and churches, conversations about a “strange flu” have become common. Unlike the typical seasonal flu people often ignore, this wave seems stronger, faster, and more widespread. 

Hospitals and clinics in cities like Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Ibadan have begun recording an unusual spike in respiratory illness cases. Some clinics are reporting long queues of patients with symptoms that closely resemble influenza. This isn’t a coincidence, as it aligns with a larger pattern happening across the globe. According to the World Health Organization, there has been a sharp increase in influenza A activity globally, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. 

This year’s flu season is shaping up to be unlike what Nigeria has experienced in recent years. For some, it might just be a few uncomfortable days. But for others; especially vulnerable groups, it could lead to serious complications. 

The Global Picture: How the 2025 Flu Surge Started 

To understand what is happening in Nigeria and the world at large, it helps to look at the global context. Early in 2025, Japan reported an unusually early and severe flu epidemic. The Scientific American described how hospitals were struggling to handle the sudden influx of patients. Schools experienced absenteeism spikes, and public health authorities urged people to wear masks and practice preventive measures. 

This early surge wasn’t isolated. In the United States, the 2024–2025 flu season was one of the most severe in more than a decade. The History of Vaccines documented high hospitalization rates, particularly among children and older adults. Europe also saw higher-than-average influenza activity. 

Experts believe that several factors contributed to this pattern. One, global travel has rebounded significantly post-pandemic, making it easier for viruses to move quickly across continents. Two, many countries have relaxed public health measures, especially since the relatively obvious decline in Covid-19 virus, which means respiratory viruses have fewer barriers to spread. Three, there is growing evidence that climate change is subtly shifting traditional flu seasons, making them less predictable. 

Nigeria, being a travel hub with busy airports and a dense urban population, is naturally part of this global web. As flu strains spread, countries with lower vaccination coverage are more likely to feel the effects intensely. 

Why the Flu Feels Different This Year 

Most Nigerians are used to hearing people say things like “na just catarrh” or “I get small fever” which translates to “it’s just catarrh” or I have small fever” during the rainy season there by reducing or undermining the effects as something that would just be around for a short time. Flu has often been dismissed as something you can walk off. But this year, the conversation is different. People are reporting more persistent symptoms, longer recovery times, and in some cases, more severe illness. 

Part of the reason is that the strains circulating this year, particularly influenza A subtypes, are more aggressive. Global health agencies have noted higher viral loads, which means people can become contagious more quickly and remain infectious for longer. Additionally, after several years of focusing on COVID-19, many individuals have reduced their vigilance about flu, allowing it to spread faster in public spaces. 

Another factor is delayed diagnosis. Because flu symptoms can mimic malaria or even mild COVID-19, many Nigerians self-medicate for malaria first. This delays proper care, leading to complications in people with weakened immune systems or underlying conditions. In urban centres where people live and work closely together, this creates a perfect storm for transmission. 

Recognizing Flu Symptoms Early 

Influenza affects the respiratory system, but its impact can be felt throughout the body. Typically, symptoms develop suddenly; often within 1 to 4 days after exposure. The most common signs include: 

Sudden fever and chills 

Persistent cough and sore throat 

Headache and muscle aches 

Fatigue that can last for days 

Runny or stuffy nose 

Occasionally, nausea or vomiting, especially in children 

What makes this year’s flu more concerning is that symptoms tend to last longer, and fatigue can linger even after the fever subsides. Many people return to work or school too soon, still contagious, which accelerates the spread. 

Flu can be particularly dangerous for children under five, adults over 65, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease. For these groups, what might be a mild illness for others could lead to pneumonia or other serious complications. 

How Flu Spreads in Communities 

Influenza is transmitted primarily through droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. But it can also spread by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the face. In crowded public spaces; buses, markets, open offices, classrooms etc. and this makes the virus highly mobile. 

Unlike COVID-19, which received unprecedented public attention, flu has not always been treated with the same level of caution. Many people still go about their daily activities while symptomatic, unaware they’re spreading the virus to others. A single infected person can pass the virus to many others in a day, especially in poorly ventilated spaces. 

Another under-discussed factor is stigma. Some people associate coughing or fever with COVID-19 and prefer to hide their symptoms to avoid panic. This reluctance delays isolation or treatment, increasing community spread. 

Environmental and Social Factors at Play 

The flu surge isn’t happening in a vacuum. Environmental conditions such as humidity and temperature shifts influence how respiratory viruses behave. Flu viruses thrive in cooler, less humid environments, but they can also spread rapidly in enclosed, air-conditioned settings. 

Urbanization also plays a major role. Cities have high population densities, congested traffic, and frequent person-to-person contact. When an infectious respiratory disease enters such an environment, it spreads like wildfire. Add to this the fact that many workplaces do not offer sick leave, and employees are often forced to show up even when ill, the reason becomes clear why containment is so difficult. 

In rural areas, the challenge is different. Limited access to testing facilities and healthcare can result in underreporting, meaning the true burden of flu may be much higher than official numbers suggest. 

The Role of Vaccination and Why It’s Underutilized 

One of the most effective tools against influenza is vaccination. In many developed countries, flu shots are recommended annually, particularly for vulnerable groups. These vaccines don’t guarantee immunity but significantly reduce the severity and duration of illness. 

In Nigeria, however, flu vaccination is not widely practiced. This is partly due to limited availability, lack of awareness, and cost considerations. Many people don’t even know that a seasonal flu vaccine exists. This leaves a large portion of the population susceptible. 

Public health experts have long argued that improving vaccine access and education could reduce flu-related hospitalizations. Even though vaccination campaigns have largely focused on diseases like polio or COVID-19, expanding these efforts to include flu could save lives and prevent economic losses from absenteeism. 

Simple Prevention Habits That Work 

Prevention doesn’t have to be complicated. Some of the most effective methods are also the simplest. Regular handwashing with soap and water can significantly reduce transmission. So can covering your mouth and nose when sneezing, wearing a mask if you’re symptomatic, and avoiding unnecessary close contact with people who are ill. 

Ventilation matters too. Opening windows, improving airflow in offices and classrooms, and avoiding overcrowded spaces, when possible, can reduce viral load in the air. Maintaining a strong immune system through adequate rest, balanced nutrition, and hydration also improves your body’s ability to fight infections. 

For families with elderly relatives or young children, taking extra precautions during this surge can make a big difference. Simple habits, practiced consistently, are often more effective than people realize. 

Myths and Misconceptions About Flu in Nigeria 

One of the major obstacles to effective flu control in Nigeria is misinformation. Many people believe antibiotics can treat flu, but antibiotics work only against bacterial infections not viruses. Misusing antibiotics not only fails to help but also contributes to antimicrobial resistance, which is a growing global health threat. 

Another common myth is that flu is “not serious” or that it only affects people in temperate countries. In reality, flu can be deadly, particularly in people with preexisting conditions. In countries, where healthcare access can be uneven, even moderate illness can become dangerous if left untreated. 

Some also believe that herbal remedies alone can cure flu. While certain natural remedies may ease symptoms, they should not replace medical advice or evidence-based treatment. Delon Health encourages Nigerians to combine traditional knowledge with accurate medical guidance, not substitute one for the other. 

When to Seek Medical Attention 

For most healthy individuals, flu symptoms may subside in a week or two with proper rest and hydration. But there are cases where medical attention is critical. If someone experiences difficulty breathing, persistent high fever, chest pain, or symptoms that worsen after initial improvement, they should seek help immediately. 

This is especially important for vulnerable groups such as older adults, children, pregnant women, and those with chronic conditions. Delayed care can lead to complications such as pneumonia, bronchitis, or worsening of underlying diseases. 

Visiting a trusted clinic or hospital early allows healthcare professionals to manage the illness effectively. It also helps prevent spreading the virus to others. 

Why Flu Should Not Be Ignored 

For decades, influenza has been overshadowed by diseases like malaria and, more recently, COVID-19 in Nigeria’s public health discourse. Yet, its impact is often underestimated. Seasonal flu leads to millions of illnesses globally each year, and for many countries, it results in significant economic and health burdens. 

Ignoring flu doesn’t make it go away. In fact, underestimating it often leads to higher infection rates, more absenteeism from work and school, and increased healthcare costs. Public awareness is a powerful tool; the more people understand the risks and prevention strategies, the better equipped communities are to reduce the spread. 

Preparing Your Home and Community 

Flu preparedness doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. At the household level, keeping basic supplies like fever reducers, hand sanitizers, face masks, tissues, and oral rehydration salts can make a big difference. It also helps to have a clear plan for what to do if multiple family members fall sick at the same time; especially in multigenerational homes. 

Schools and workplaces can also play a role. Encouraging people to stay home when they’re sick, improving ventilation, and offering flexible attendance policies can reduce the spread. Faith-based organizations, markets, and community associations can help spread accurate health information and counter myths. 

At the community level, early detection and reporting are essential. People should not fear stigma if they develop flu symptoms. The faster a community recognizes and responds to an outbreak, the less damage it causes. 

Misinformation vs. Trusted Sources 

In times of public health crises, misinformation spreads as fast as viruses. Social media platforms are filled with unverified claims, home remedies, and conspiracy theories, some others have insinuated that the Covid-19 flu never left, and it kept rewarming over the years presenting itself as different sicknesses. Some unverified messages have also indicated that schools are closing because of the flu. While some of these messages may be harmless, others can delay proper treatment and increase risk. 

For reliable information, Nigerians should turn to credible sources like the World Health Organization, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, and trusted healthcare providers such as Delon Health. These platforms provide evidence-based updates and practical steps for managing flu and other infectious diseases. 

The Economic Angle of a Flu Surge 

Beyond the health impact, flu also has economic consequences. When employees are sick, productivity drops. When students miss school, learning suffers. And when healthcare facilities are overwhelmed, costs rise for both individuals and the system as a whole. 

In countries with strong vaccination programs, flu-related economic losses are reduced through prevention. In Nigeria, increasing flu awareness and preventive behaviour could yield similar benefits. Encouraging vaccination where available, supporting hygiene campaigns, and empowering communities with accurate information are health strategies and they’re also smart economic moves. 

What Makes This Surge a Wake-Up Call 

The 2025 flu surge has made something clear: influenza is not a background illness. It is a serious, evolving public health issue that requires the same energy Nigeria and other countries around the world has devoted to malaria and COVID-19. 

This surge should push policymakers to consider including flu vaccination in national immunization programs. It should also encourage workplaces and schools to adopt more flexible health policies. For individuals, it’s a reminder that personal responsibility matters, and something as simple as staying home when sick can protect others. 

Building Long-Term Flu Preparedness 

While Nigeria focuses on managing the current flu surge, it’s equally important to build long-term resilience. This includes improving flu surveillance systems, investing in vaccination programs, strengthening hospital capacity, and integrating flu education into public health campaigns. 

Partnerships between government agencies, private health providers, and communities will be crucial. By learning from this year’s surge, Nigeria and other countries of the world can be better prepared for the next. 

Conclusion: Stay Informed, Stay Protected 

The 2025 flu surge is more than a seasonal inconvenience. It’s a reminder that public health requires collective responsibility. From recognizing symptoms early to practicing prevention and challenging misinformation, everyone has a role to play. 

This flu season, let’s choose vigilance over neglect. Let’s make informed decisions that protect not only ourselves but also the people around us. 

Delon Health remains committed to helping in getting access to trusted information, quality care, and preventive solutions that strengthen communities. Whether through virtual consultations, health education, or on-ground medical support, our goal is to keep you healthier, safer, and better prepared this flu season and beyond. 

We also offer medical billing solutions. For more information and consultation;

Visit: www.delonhealth.com 
Email: info@delonhealth.com 
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