Prime Highlights:
The U.S. is experiencing its most intense flu season in over 15 years, with 24 million cases reported so far.
Over 310,000 hospitalizations and 13,000 deaths, including 57 pediatric deaths, have been recorded.
Influenza A H1N1 and A H3N2 viruses are primarily circulating, contributing to the severity of the season.
Key Background:
The United States is currently grappling with its most severe flu season in over a decade, with widespread influenza activity impacting communities nationwide. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there have been at least 24 million cases of influenza so far this season. The CDC also reports that over 310,000 individuals have been hospitalized due to flu-related complications, and 13,000 have died, including 57 children. These statistics, however, are preliminary and may change as the season progresses.
The flu is currently causing the highest level of hospitalizations since 2010, with significant increases in respiratory illness-related healthcare visits. For the week ending February 1, 2025, the CDC reported that 7.8% of healthcare visits were due to respiratory illness, a number not seen since the 2009-2010 flu season. The flu’s severity is driven by circulating strains, particularly the influenza A H1N1 and A H3N2 viruses, which are more prone to mutations, leaving the population with less immunity and increasing the potential for severe illness.
Influenza complications such as pneumonia, heart inflammation, organ failure, and sepsis can be fatal, especially in vulnerable populations like older adults, pregnant individuals, young children, and those with chronic health conditions such as asthma or kidney disease. As the flu season continues, it remains critical for individuals, particularly those at higher risk, to get vaccinated. Although flu activity is expected to continue for several months, the CDC advises that it is still not too late for individuals to receive their annual flu shot.
Currently, 32 U.S. states are reporting “very high” levels of respiratory illness. With flu season peaking in February, the CDC emphasizes the importance of timely vaccination to reduce the spread of the virus and mitigate its impact on public health.
