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At least 24 million cases, 310,000 hospitalizations, and 13,000 deaths —including 57 children —have been reported for this flu season, which began in October, according to data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on Friday, Feb. 7.
The two strains of flu circulating this season are H1N1 and H3N2. Both are covered in this year's flu vaccine, but only about 40 percent of Americans have taken the vaccine each of the last two years, compared to 50 percent three years ago. It's unclear if the two strains may have mutated which could lessen the strength of the vaccine.
This season, the US death rate from influenza is at 1.7 percent compared to 1.5 percent from COVID-19, with flu deaths outpacing COVID deaths in 22 states. It's the first time since before the pandemic that deaths from flu are more than deaths from COVID.
The percentage of outpatient visits for influenza-like illnesses (ILI) has climbed to 7.8 percent, up from 7 percent the previous week and 5.8 percent two weeks earlier, indicating a steady increase in flu activity.
Emergency department visits resulting in an influenza diagnosis have also risen, accounting for 8 percent of cases, compared to 1 percent for COVID-19 and 0.5 percent for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
The 10 states seeing the highest level of flu activity, along with New York City, include:
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- New Jersey
- Nebraska
- New Hampshire
- New Mexico
- Ohio
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Texas
In New York City, more than 51,000 positive flu tests were recorded during the week ending Sunday, Jan. 25, reflecting a 6 percent increase from the previous week. Hospitalizations also surged, with about 3,000 people admitted due to severe flu complications, an 11 percent rise.
The CDC’s Influenza Surveillance Report indicates that all 10 Health and Human Services (HHS) regions are experiencing ILI activity above their region-specific baselines, with regions 6 and 4 (covering parts of the South and Midwest) reporting the highest levels.
Amid the surge, schools in at least 10 states have temporarily closed due to widespread flu outbreaks among students and staff.
Public health officials are urging people to get vaccinated, stressing that it’s not too late to receive this season’s flu shot.
The CDC continues to monitor the situation and provides weekly updates through its FluView reports.
As flu season intensifies, health authorities emphasize the importance of vaccination and preventive measures to help reduce the spread.
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