More US states report 'very high' flu activity

CDC data for the week ending Dec 27 shows 32 states at 'very high' influenza activity, hospitals reported a record weekly rise in flu hospitalizations, and pediatric deaths this season have reached nine.

CDC data for the week ending December 27 shows 32 US states reporting 'very high' levels of influenza activity, up from 22 the previous week. Health authorities and state departments have reported record weekly hospitalizations and a rising hospitalization rate. Officials say pediatric flu deaths for the season have reached nine and classify the 2025–2026 season as 'moderate severity.' Some hospitals have reinstated visitor limits and mask requirements as they respond to increased patient load. Key facts: - The CDC reported 32 states at 'very high' influenza activity for the week ending Dec 27, with several states at the agency's highest activity level. - New York State reported just over 72,000 influenza cases for the week of Dec 20, and the New York State Department of Health reported about 4,550 hospitalizations in the week of Dec 27, a weekly record. - Test positivity and hospitalization indicators have risen, and reports link the increase to an H3N2 subclade K strain now dominant in many cases. - Pediatric influenza-associated deaths are reported as nine for the season, and recent reports include adolescents among those fatalities. Summary: The increase in cases and hospitalizations is placing additional strain on health services and coincides with a rise in pediatric fatalities this season. Health systems have reintroduced some visitor limits and mask requirements in response, and public health agencies are continuing to monitor surveillance data. Undetermined at this time.