CDC Reports Flu Season as Most Severe in 15 Years

The 2024-25 flu season has caused over 33 million illnesses and surpassed COVID-19 in mortality for the first time since the pandemic began.

The CDC estimates at least 33 million flu cases, 430,000 hospitalizations, and 19,000 deaths so far this season, with 86 pediatric deaths reported.
Flu activity remains high but is showing signs of decline, with doctor visits for flu-like symptoms dropping to 6.8% from 7.7% in recent weeks.
This season has been driven by H1N1 and H3N2 flu strains, with the latter causing more severe illness, particularly among children and vulnerable populations.
Vaccination rates remain low, with only 45.3% of adults and 45.8% of children vaccinated against the flu, contributing to the severity of the outbreak.
Public health experts continue to recommend flu vaccines and prompt antiviral treatments for those at high risk of severe illness.