Overview
- The CDC estimates roughly 7–7.5 million illnesses, about 81,000 hospitalizations, and around 3,100 deaths so far this season, including at least eight pediatric deaths.
- New York reported 4,546 flu hospitalizations for the week ending Dec. 27, a record single-week high and a 24% rise from the prior week, as reported cases eased from a record 72,133 to about 49,000.
- Genetic testing shows H3N2 dominates recent samples, with about 92% of CDC-tested viruses being H3N2 and nearly 90% of those belonging to subclade K.
- Nationally, new flu hospitalizations more than doubled to 19,053 for the week ending Dec. 20, and the CDC lists 32 states and territories with high or very high activity.
- Vaccination coverage is lagging compared with prior seasons, and health authorities emphasize getting a flu shot and starting antivirals within 48 hours when appropriate.