Flu activity is increasing nationwide, according to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and prevention.
New York City experiences some of the highest levels flu-like activity across the country. States, including Alabama, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maryland, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Ohio, Rhode Island and Texas are in a “moderate” situation. respiratory disease activity. All other states are experiencing low or very low levels.
The CDC estimates there have been at least 4.6 million illnesses, 49,000 hospitalizations and 1,900 deaths from the flu this season so far.
So far, the bulk of flu illnesses have been linked to the new variant known as subclade K, according to hundreds of samples sent to the CDC. Of just over 900 influenza samples, approximately 90% were A(H3N2) viruses. Of those who underwent further genetic testing, almost 90% were in the K subclade.
A woman receives a flu vaccine, October 15, 2025.
Alejandro Martínez Vélez/Getty Images
THE The mutations seen in the new variant result in a mismatch with the composition of this season’s flu vaccine, the CDC notes. Experts believe the flu vaccine will still help reduce the risk of serious illness, including hospitalization and death.
“Even with this new variant and some mismatch with the vaccine, getting a flu shot is still worth it,” said John Brownstein, a epidemiologist and ABC News medical contributor, said. “The vaccine continues to provide strong protection against serious outcomes like hospitalization and death, and this is particularly important as influenza activity accelerates.”
Two deaths linked to pediatric flu were reported this week, bringing the total to three for this season. Last season saw a record 288 flu deaths – the same number during the 2009 H1N1 pandemic. These are the highest levels seen since 2004, when childhood flu deaths became mandatory for states to report to the CDC.
About 90% of children who died from the flu last season were not vaccinated, according to a report. CDC study find. Flu vaccinations among children have fallen 10% from before the pandemic, with about 40% children I’ll take that season.
About 140 million doses of flu vaccine have been distributed nationally so far this season, compared to 128 million last season.
The CDC recommends that everyone over the age of 6 months get an annual flu vaccine. Experts say it’s not too late to get vaccinated.
“This is the time of year when influenza typically begins to spread, and we expect activity to continue to increase in the coming weeks,” Brownstein added. “As people gather indoors and travel more during the holidays, these conditions can accelerate the spread.”
