Overview
- CDC estimates include about 49,000 hospitalizations and 1,900 deaths so far this season.
- Surveillance indicates H3N2 subclade K is the predominant strain in recent U.S. samples, according to CDC data cited by ABC News.
- New York logged 71,123 confirmed cases in the week ending Dec. 20, the highest weekly tally since reporting became mandatory in 2004, with hospitalizations up 63% week over week.
- Clinicians report influenza circulating alongside COVID-19 and common cold viruses, heightening transmission risk in crowded indoor gatherings and travel hubs.
- Experts recommend vaccination for everyone six months and older plus precautions such as masking in enclosed spaces, frequent hand washing, and avoiding close contact with people who are ill.