This Is the Worst Flu Season So Far This Century

Flu activity across the United States has surged to levels not seen in decades, driven in part by the spread of a newer influenza strain. According to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, all but four states are now reporting high or very high flu activity.

Doctor visits for flu-like illness—defined as fever accompanied by a cough or sore throat—have reached their highest point since at least 1997, the earliest year such data has been recorded, ABC News reports. “This is definitely a banner year,” said Dr. Caitlin Rivers, an epidemiologist and senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security. “It’s the worst we’ve had in at least 20 years. A majority of the country is experiencing very high levels of activity, and we’re still in the thick of it.”

So far this season, an estimated 11 million Americans have fallen ill with the flu. About 120,000 people have been hospitalized, and roughly 5,000 deaths have been reported, including nine children. Hospitalization rates are the third highest at this point in the season since 2010–11.

Nearly every state is seeing elevated flu activity. Montana and Vermont are reporting low levels, while South Dakota and West Virginia show moderate activity. Nevada did not submit data this week but reported high levels last week. Flu season typically peaks in January or February, and experts say the current trend suggests the worst may still be ahead. Dr. Robert Hopkins, medical director of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases, noted that cases have continued to rise steadily “without much of a decline or even a flattening.”

Health experts believe a newer influenza strain, known as subclade K, is contributing to the surge. The strain accounts for most of the flu viruses currently analyzed in laboratories and appears different enough from previous strains to partially evade existing immunity. Because it emerged after this season’s flu vaccine formula was finalized, the current shot may offer reduced protection, though it still helps prevent severe illness.

Despite that, health officials continue to urge vaccination. “In the next 48 hours, if you haven’t been vaccinated, get vaccinated. Don’t wait,” said Dr. Michael Osterholm of the University of Minnesota.

The surge is occurring as flu vaccination rates decline. Vaccination coverage among children has dropped from about 53 percent in the 2019–20 season to 42 percent so far this year. Adult vaccinations have also fallen, from nearly 61 million doses to about 48 million.

On Monday, federal health officials announced plans to move flu vaccinations for children to a “shared clinical decision-making” model, which could add an extra step to the vaccination process. The decision drew criticism from pediatric infectious disease experts, who argue that softening vaccination recommendations during a severe flu season sends the wrong message.

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