Overview
- The CDC estimates at least 7.5 million illnesses this season along with 3,100 deaths, including at least eight pediatric fatalities.
- One federal surveillance system shows flu hospitalizations doubling week over week to more than 19,000 in the most recent reporting period.
- Genetic testing points to H3N2 subclade K as the dominant strain, with mutations creating a vaccine mismatch that still appears to blunt severe disease.
- Respiratory illness levels are widespread, with at least 20 states at very high activity and nine at high, and New York recorded its highest weekly flu case count on record.
- Vaccine distribution and uptake are lagging, with about 130 million doses shipped and early coverage estimates near 17% for children and 23% for adults, prompting renewed calls to get vaccinated now.