Flu activity is increasing nationwide, with nearly 5 million flu illnesses reported so far, according to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This surge reflects a growing public health concern as the flu season is picking up pace across many states.
New York City is experiencing some of the highest levels of flu-like activity nationally. Meanwhile, states such as Alabama, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Ohio, Rhode Island, and Texas report moderate respiratory illness activity. The remaining states show low or very low flu levels.
The CDC estimates there have been at least 4.6 million flu illnesses to date. Hospitalizations have reached approximately 49,000, with nearly 1,900 deaths attributed to flu-related complications. This data underscores the severity of the current flu season.
Most flu cases are linked to a new variant classified as subclade K. About 90% of over 900 flu samples tested were A(H3N2), and nearly 90% of those genetically confirmed belonged to subclade K. This variant carries mutations resulting in a mismatch with the current season’s flu vaccine composition.
Despite this mismatch, CDC experts emphasize that the flu vaccine still offers important protection. It reduces the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death. Epidemiologist John Brownstein stated, “Even with this new variant and some mismatch with the vaccine, getting a flu shot is still absolutely worth it.”
This season, two pediatric flu deaths were reported this week, totaling three so far. Last season tied a record with 288 pediatric deaths, the highest since mandatory reporting began in 2004. A significant CDC study found that about 90% of children who died from flu last season were not vaccinated.
Flu vaccination rates among children have dropped by around 10 percentage points compared to pre-pandemic levels. Currently, roughly 40% of kids have received the flu shot this season. So far, about 140 million doses of the flu vaccine have been distributed nationally, compared to 128 million last season.
The CDC recommends that everyone aged six months and older get their annual flu vaccine. Experts say it is not too late to get vaccinated, especially as flu activity is expected to increase during the upcoming holiday season. Brownstein warned that more indoor gatherings and holiday travel could accelerate the spread of the virus.
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