Seasonal Flu Activity Remains Elevated

Seasonal flu activity remains elevated nationally, according the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) latest data. Most areas of the country are reporting stable or decreasing trends in activity; however, activity continues to increase in the Pacific Northwest.

Eight flu-associated pediatric deaths were reported to the CDC last week, bringing the season total to 60 reported flu-associated pediatric deaths. Among children who were eligible for influenza vaccination and with known vaccination status, approximately 90% of reported pediatric deaths this season have occurred in children who were not fully vaccinated against influenza.

Last week, for the first time this respiratory virus season, the NYC Health Department reported four pediatric flu deaths. To date this season, over 144,000 positive flu cases have been reported in New York City, and over half (52%) have been children under 18, its health department reported.

Last year’s flu season (2024-2025) was record-setting for pediatric flu deaths, with 289 deaths reported nationwide. Of the 289 children who died from flu and were eligible to get a flu shot, 89% had not been vaccinated.

At this point in the season, the CDC classified the pediatric age group as having high severity flu cases, while both the adult and older adult age groups are classified as having moderate severity. (These assessments are conducted each week during the season, and the season’s severity assessment can change if activity should increase again.)

The CDC estimated that there have been at least 22,000,000 illnesses, 280,000 hospitalizations, and 12,000 deaths from flu so far this season.