Overview
- CDC estimates now show about 4.6 million illnesses, 49,000 hospitalizations and 1,900 deaths this season, with a 14% weekly rise in hospitalizations in the latest report.
- Nearly 90% of subtyped H3N2 samples belong to the K subclade that experts say can partly evade immunity, though available antivirals remain effective.
- State and local data report sharp increases, including high or very high activity across Massachusetts, rising emergency visits in New York City, a December spike in Connecticut, and ER surges in Central Texas.
- Officials emphasize that this year’s flu shot still reduces severe outcomes, with early U.K. estimates suggesting stronger protection for children than adults despite genetic drift.
- Public guidance includes vaccination for everyone 6 months and older, prompt antiviral treatment within 1–2 days for high‑risk patients, staying home when sick, and hygiene and masking, with CDC surveillance updates delayed by the holidays.