CDC estimates at least 4.6 million flu illnesses, more than 49,000 hospitalizations, and 1,900 deaths this season, signaling a severe nationwide surge.
Nationwide Flu Activity
Alicia Budd, head of the CDC’s domestic influenza surveillance team, said, “We’ve seen sustained, elevated activity across multiple key indicators in many areas of the country,” highlighting the broad spread of the virus.
Wastewater Surveillance
From November to December, wastewater concentrations of influenza type A rose 390 % nationwide, according to data from WastewaterSCAN. Program director Marlene Wolfe, an assistant professor of environmental health at Emory, noted, “We’re not yet seeing any sign of plateauing.”
Pediatric Impact
The CDC’s latest report shows three pediatric flu deaths so far this year, with North Carolina reporting its first pediatric death on Wednesday. Wisconsin, where the CDC noted minimal activity, also experienced a child’s death. In the 2024-2025 season, 288 children died of flu, tying a record set during the 2009-2010 H1N1 pandemic. A September CDC report found that about 89 % of children who died last year had not received the flu vaccine.
Vaccine and Treatment
Influenza A H3N2 is the dominant strain, and a new subclade K has emerged, altering the virus’s surface protein. Budd explained, “We’ve had past seasons where there have been what we call drifted viruses, which is how we would categorize this subclade K.” She added, “In some of those instances, there have been impacts on vaccine effectiveness, but there have also been seasons with drifted strains where we’ve seen the vaccine continue to provide protection.” Budd emphasized that the vaccine remains the primary preventive measure, stating, “It is still the primary preventive measure against flu, severe illness, and we absolutely continue to recommend it this year, even in light of the drifted strain.”
Dr. Chase Shutak, medical director of Children’s Minnesota, reported that positive flu cases at the facility doubled in the past week. He described symptoms, “In some years, every kid who presents with the flu just has that classic influenza appearance. They look kind of dazed. They’re miserable. There’s a glassy look to their eyes,” and noted, “annoying enough that they’re still coming in.”
GoodRx data shows that demand for Tamiflu is slightly higher than last year. Senior director of research Tori Marsh said, “What stands out this season is how early Tamiflu use is climbing.” She explained that prescription antivirals are typically prescribed when patients are sick enough to see a doctor.
Key Takeaways
- CDC estimates 4.6 million flu illnesses, 49,000 hospitalizations, and 1,900 deaths.
- Wastewater data indicates a 390 % rise in influenza type A concentrations.
- Vaccine effectiveness may be impacted by the drifted H3N2 subclade K, but the vaccine remains recommended.
The ongoing flu season underscores the importance of vaccination and monitoring, as authorities prepare for potential spread during holiday gatherings and school breaks.
