Overview
- CDC estimates at least 7.5 million illnesses, 81,000 hospitalizations, and 3,100 deaths so far this season, including eight pediatric deaths.
- Influenza activity has jumped to "very high" in 20 states with additional states at "high" levels, and New York logged its highest weekly case count on record.
- Genetic testing shows the H3N2 subclade K variant accounts for most current cases, and CDC says mutations create a vaccine mismatch, though experts still expect protection against severe outcomes.
- Hospitals report mounting strain, particularly in pediatrics, with Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta saying nearly half of recently sick patients tested positive for flu.
- Health guidance emphasizes vaccination, rapid testing, and prompt antiviral treatment such as Tamiflu or Xofluza within 48 hours, as about 130 million vaccine doses have been distributed—fewer than by this time last year.