Flu Treatment Rates Vary for Hospitalized Patients

A new study shows 14 percent of hospitalized adults went without antiviral treatment in emergency departments.

Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in COVID-19

Flu Treatment Rates Vary for Hospitalized Patients

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Do you trust that hospitals reliably follow clinical guidelines for treating influenza in emergency departments?

A retrospective study of 483,459 hospitalized adults found that 14 percent of patients did not receive antiviral treatment in the emergency department between 2016 and 2025. These findings provide insight into national treatment trends for older adults who account for the majority of these hospitalizations.

Why it matters

Understanding variations in antiviral usage is critical for identifying gaps in clinical care for hospitalized influenza patients. The study highlights how geographical differences and patient volumes have influenced treatment decisions across the United States over the last decade.

This retrospective cohort study analyzed electronic health record data for 483,459 hospitalized adults identified with influenza between 2016 and 2025. Oseltamivir was the primary treatment, administered to 98.99 percent of those who received antiviral therapy.

The details

Researchers utilized Epic Cosmos data to track how often patients were treated for influenza in emergency settings. The study noted a correlation of 0.59 between emergency department treatment rates and the volume of influenza hospitalizations. Among the patients studied, 2.55 percent died, highlighting the severity of cases within this group.

2016-2020: Treatment rates remained between 85.14 and 91.08 percent.
2020: Antiviral treatment rate reached 91 percent.
2021: Antiviral treatment rate dropped to 73 percent.
2025: Antiviral treatment rate rose to 85 percent.
September 26, 2026: Study published in The Journal of Emergency Medicine.

Health Landscape

This study adds to the growing body of electronic health record research examining how standardized clinical practices like antiviral administration fluctuate in real-world settings. It underscores the ongoing challenge of maintaining consistent treatment protocols across different U.S. regions.

If you are hospitalized with flu-like symptoms, it is worth discussing whether antiviral therapy is an appropriate part of your care plan. Understanding that treatment rates vary by region and volume can help patients advocate for a conversation with their clinical team about current treatment standards.

The takeaway

Flu treatment rates have fluctuated significantly over the last decade, with 14 percent of hospitalized patients missing out on antiviral care in the emergency department. Always ask your physician about the clinical rationale for your treatment plan if you are admitted to the hospital with influenza.