Flu Season Intensifies Across U.S., Children and Young Adults Most Affected- The United States is facing a rapidly intensifying flu season, with new federal data showing record levels of flu-like illness and a sharp rise in hospitalizations. Health officials warn that activity is still increasing and that the worst of the season may not yet have arrived.
According to recently released figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), outpatient visits for flu-like symptoms have reached the highest point ever recorded. Roughly 8% of visits to health care providers nationwide are now tied to flu-like illness, defined as a fever accompanied by a cough and/or sore throat. This surpasses all previous seasons dating back to 1997, when the CDC began tracking this data.
Children and young adults are bearing the greatest burden of illness so far. CDC estimates show that about 35% of outpatient visits related to respiratory illness involve people under the age of 24. Children under 5 alone account for roughly one-fifth of those visits, highlighting how heavily the flu is affecting younger age groups this season.
Hospitalizations are also climbing at an alarming pace. The CDC estimates that approximately 120,000 people have been hospitalized due to the flu so far this season, representing a more than 48% increase compared with the previous week. Public health experts say this sharp week-to-week jump signals widespread transmission and increasing strain on hospitals.
In total, federal officials estimate at least 11 million flu illnesses nationwide this season, along with about 5,000 flu-related deaths. Among those deaths are at least nine children, a figure that has drawn concern from pediatric specialists and public health leaders.
New York State has emerged as one of the hardest-hit areas. State health officials recently reported the highest number of flu-related hospitalizations ever recorded in a single week. The state also logged more than 72,000 flu cases during one recent reporting period, marking a new weekly record.
“This is really quite a severe flu season right now,” New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said in a recent interview, underscoring the seriousness of the surge.
A major driver of this season’s intensity appears to be a specific strain of the virus. The vast majority of flu cases tested so far have been caused by influenza A, with roughly 90% identified as the H3N2 subtype. Many of those cases are linked to a newer variant known as subclade K, which has been circulating internationally since the summer.
Subclade K has already fueled significant flu outbreaks in countries including Canada, Japan, and the United Kingdom, and experts say its spread in the U.S. is contributing to higher case numbers and more severe illness. Historically, flu seasons dominated by H3N2 strains tend to be more severe, particularly for young children and older adults.
Complicating matters further is the simultaneous circulation of other respiratory viruses. COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are also spreading this winter, adding to overall respiratory illness levels and making diagnosis and treatment more challenging for health care providers.
Despite the rising case counts, flu vaccination rates remain relatively unchanged from earlier in the season. As of mid-December, just over 42% of adults and children nationwide had received a flu shot, according to CDC estimates. Health officials say this level of coverage leaves millions vulnerable, particularly as flu activity continues to climb.
The CDC continues to recommend annual flu vaccination for everyone aged 6 months and older, with limited exceptions. The agency emphasizes that flu vaccines prevent millions of illnesses and doctor visits each year and significantly reduce the risk of severe complications, hospitalization, and death.
Last flu season offered a stark reminder of the risks associated with low vaccination rates. A record 289 children died from flu-related causes, and nearly all of those children were unvaccinated. Health officials say those figures underscore the importance of immunization, especially for families with young children.
Experts caution that flu activity is likely to remain high in the coming weeks, as the season has not yet reached its peak. With multiple respiratory viruses circulating at the same time, public health officials are urging people to take preventive steps, including vaccination, staying home when sick, and practicing good hygiene.
As winter continues, health authorities stress that awareness and prevention will be key to reducing the impact of what is shaping up to be one of the most intense flu seasons in decades.
