Overview
- The CDC estimates 4.6 million illnesses, 49,000 hospitalizations and 1,900 deaths so far this season, including three children.
- About 90% of subtyped influenza A viruses are H3N2 subclade K, and hospitalizations rose about 14% week over week with multiple states at high or very high activity levels.
- Connecticut reports a December spike in flu hospitalizations, and New York City logged 24,607 lab-confirmed cases by Dec. 13.
- Early U.K. analyses indicate reduced protection against infection in adults (roughly 32–39%) but stronger protection against hospitalization in children (around 72–75%).
- Health authorities urge vaccination for everyone 6 months and older, prompt antivirals for high‑risk patients, and precautions such as staying home when sick and using masks in crowded indoor spaces.