Flu Surges in 45 States, as Doctor Visits Reach Highest Level in 30 Years

Introduction to the Flu Season

Doctors’ visits for flu-like symptoms — fevers, sore throat, extreme fatigue and body aches — have hit the highest level in nearly 30 years, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and are likely to continue to rise in the coming weeks. At least 5,000 people have died this season, including nine children.

The Current State of Flu Activity

For the week ending Dec. 27, the CDC reported that nearly 1 in 10 outpatient visits nationwide — 8.2% — were for flu-like illnesses. That’s the highest logged since the CDC started tracking such visits in 1997. The flu has accounted for more than 11 million illnesses this season and 120,000 hospitalizations.

Geographic Distribution of Flu Activity

Forty-five states are experiencing high to very high levels of flu activity. Only Montana, South Dakota, Vermont and West Virginia are experiencing low to moderate flu spread. Data for Nevada was “insufficient,” the agency said.

Impact of Holiday Season on Flu Activity

Because the latest data is from the week of Christmas, it doesn’t yet reflect illnesses caused by holiday travel and gatherings.

Expert Insights

“It’s still too soon to know what the impact of the holiday season is going to be on flu activity,” said Krista Kniss, an epidemiologist in the CDC’s influenza division. “We’re not anywhere close to being done.”
Dr. Nick Cozzi, emergency medical services director for Rush University Medical Center in Chicago, said the flu is keeping his team “incredibly busy.”

Complications and Co-Infections

Compounding the problem, many patients are dealing with other viruses, like Covid or RSV, on top of flu, Cozzi said.
A significant number of patients, he said, are also having trouble breathing. “We’re admitting patients at a higher rate than we normally do,” he said. “Their oxygen levels are lower than normal, creating a potential situation which can be life-threatening unless they receive supplemental oxygen.”

Hospitalization Trends

At Johns Hopkins in Baltimore, flu hospitalizations more than doubled in the last two weeks compared with the previous two-week period, said Dr. Emily Boss, director of pediatric otolaryngology at Johns Hopkins Children’s Center.

Flu Season Comparison

“This rise is earlier than last year by about a month,” Boss said. “We don’t know yet what the peak will look like compared to prior seasons.”

Changes in Flu Shot Recommendations

The 2025-26 flu season, which is just getting started, follows the deadliest season for children since the CDC began tracking pediatric deaths. On Monday, the CDC reported an additional death of a child last season, bringing the total to 289, eclipsing even the number of pediatric deaths from the 2009 H1N1 pandemic.

New Guidance on Childhood Vaccinations

Under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s guidance, the U.S. is no longer recommending that all children get annual flu shots. On Monday, the Department of Health and Human Services announced a major overhaul of the childhood vaccination schedule. Effective immediately, the administration said, the flu vaccine will be taken off of the official childhood vaccine schedule.

Criticism of New Recommendations

“To back off on a flu recommendation in the midst of a pretty severe flu year seems to me to be pretty tone-deaf,” Dr. Sean O’Leary, chair of the American Academy of Pediatrics’ committee on infectious diseases, said on a call with reporters. “And that’s coming off an influenza year where we had the most childhood deaths from influenza in many years.”

The Severity of Flu

Flu’s potential to wreak havoc on otherwise healthy young children is playing out in Naya Kessler’s hospital room at UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento.

Personal Experience with Flu

Naya, 3, has been vomiting and running a fever since she was diagnosed with the flu on Dec. 29, Kessler said.

Conclusion

The current flu season is shaping up to be one of the most severe in recent years, with high levels of flu activity reported in 45 states. The CDC and healthcare professionals are urging individuals to take precautions and seek medical attention if they are experiencing flu-like symptoms. The decision to no longer recommend flu shots for all children has been met with criticism, and the impact of this decision on the current flu season remains to be seen.

FAQs

• Q: How many states are experiencing high to very high levels of flu activity?
  A: 45 states are experiencing high to very high levels of flu activity.
• Q: What is the current recommendation for childhood flu vaccinations?
  A: The U.S. is no longer recommending that all children get annual flu shots, effective immediately.
• Q: How many people have died from the flu this season?
  A: At least 5,000 people have died this season, including nine children.
• Q: What is the best way to protect myself from getting the flu?
  A: Getting a flu vaccine, practicing good hygiene, and avoiding close contact with people who are sick can help protect you from getting the flu.