Flu 18 Million Cases and Rising: CDC Sounds the Alarm on a Ruthless US Outbreak

Flu activity remains dangerously elevated across the United States, with new data showing that the nation is still firmly in the grip of a severe influenza season. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the country has already recorded at least 18 million flu illnesses, 230,000 hospitalizations, and 9,300 deaths this season — numbers that underscore the virus’s ongoing toll on public health.

Health officials say that while some indicators are beginning to stabilize or trend downward, the situation is far from over. In fact, experts are warning that a second wave of flu activity could follow the winter holiday period, a pattern seen in previous seasons.

“We know that flu is here, and it’s intense right now,” said Aaron Milstone, pediatric director of infection prevention at Johns Hopkins Health System.

Hospitalizations and Deaths Continue to Mount

So far this season, flu-related hospitalizations have climbed to at least 230,000 nationwide, placing enormous strain on hospitals already managing a surge of other respiratory illnesses. Flu-related deaths include at least 32 pediatric fatalities, with 15 child deaths reported in just one recent week.

CDC officials caution that pediatric death figures often lag behind real-time conditions, meaning the true number may be higher.

Last flu season was particularly devastating for children, with 289 pediatric deaths, the highest total since the CDC began tracking the data in 2004. While this season has not yet reached that level, experts warn that the current trajectory remains concerning.

Children at the Center of the Surge

CDC surveillance shows that the majority of doctor visits for flu-like illness are occurring among people under age 24, with the highest concentration among children four years old and younger.

“Children are a reservoir for respiratory viruses,” Milstone explained. “They’re in schools, daycares, play dates — lots of environments where viruses can spread easily.”

During the most recent reporting week, 18.6% of flu tests returned positive, a sign that transmission remains widespread even as some regions show slight declines.

Currently:

• 14 states are experiencing “very high” flu activity

• 19 states are reporting “high” flu activity

While the percentage of healthcare visits for respiratory illness dipped to 5.3%, health officials stress that flu levels remain well above what is typically expected this late in the season.

A New Strain Driving the Season

A major factor behind this year’s surge is a strain known as subclade K, a variant of the H3N2 influenza A virus. CDC data shows that more than 90% of tested H3N2 samples this season belong to this subclade.

Subclade K has been circulating internationally since the summer and was a key driver of flu spikes in Canada, Japan, and the United Kingdom before taking hold in the U.S.

Its rapid spread has contributed to higher infection rates, particularly among children, who often act as vectors within families and communities.

Why the Flu Vaccine Still Matters

Despite the severity of the season, doctors continue to emphasize that it is not too late to get vaccinated.

“We’re still in the thick of flu season,” Milstone said. “The flu shot is not 100% effective at preventing infection, but the goal is to keep people out of the hospital and to keep them alive.”

Health experts stress that the vaccine:

• Reduces the risk of severe illness

• Lowers the likelihood of hospitalization

• Significantly decreases the risk of death, even if infection occurs

CDC data reveals a stark reality: about 90% of pediatric flu deaths this season occurred in children who were not fully vaccinated, despite being eligible for the shot.

Even for those who have already had the flu, vaccination may still provide protection against severe disease from other circulating strains.

“Someone who gets the flu after vaccination is generally much less sick than someone who’s unvaccinated,” Milstone added.

Changing Guidance and Ongoing Confusion

Recently, the CDC updated its childhood immunization guidance, moving away from a universal recommendation for flu vaccination in children and adolescents. Instead, parents are now encouraged to speak directly with healthcare providers about the vaccine.

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While the shift has sparked confusion, many pediatric experts continue to strongly advocate vaccination — especially during a season marked by high transmission and a virulent strain.

A Risk of a Second Wave

Although some flu indicators have declined for two consecutive weeks, the CDC is closely monitoring for another surge following holiday travel and family gatherings.

“There can be a lag in the data,” Milstone said. “Kids visit grandparents, people travel, and it takes time before we see the impact in hospitals and clinics.”

This delayed effect raises concerns that flu activity could rebound even as communities begin to relax precautions.

The Bottom Line

The United States remains in a critical phase of flu season, with millions infected and hospitals still under pressure. While early signs of stabilization offer cautious optimism, health officials warn that complacency could reverse progress.

Doctors urge:

• Getting vaccinated if you haven’t already

• Keeping sick children home from school or daycare

• Practicing good hand hygiene

• Seeking medical care early for severe symptoms

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As Milstone summed it up: “The flu vaccine isn’t perfect — but it saves lives. And right now, that matters more than ever.”