11,000 Americans Including 52 Children Have Died from the Flu Season So Far Along with 270,000 Flu Hospitalizations
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Feb 03, 2026 1 hour, 38 minutes ago
Medical News: Rising Death Toll Alarms Health Experts
The current influenza season in the United States is proving to be one of the most severe in recent years, with health authorities reporting a mounting toll of illness, hospitalizations, and deaths. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), at least 11,000 Americans across all age groups have already died from flu-related complications this season, including 52 children. Public health experts warn that these figures may continue to climb as flu activity intensifies in many regions.
The current flu season is causing the hospitalization of many children across the United States
Flu Activity Surges Again Nationwide
After several weeks of slowing transmission, flu activity has risen once more. CDC surveillance data show that most infections are being driven by an influenza A strain known as H3N2, which has historically been associated with more severe illness, particularly among children and older adults. At the same time, influenza B cases are increasing rapidly, raising concerns that the season could unfold in multiple waves, a pattern often seen during January and February. This
Medical News report highlights that dual strain circulation can prolong outbreaks and increase pressure on healthcare systems already strained by respiratory illnesses.
Pediatric Hospitalizations Hit 15-Year High
One of the most worrying aspects of this season is its impact on children. The CDC has reported the highest rate of flu-related hospitalizations among children in 15 years. By late December, weekly hospital admissions for those under 18 reached levels not seen since the 2010–2011 flu season. Emergency room visits for flu symptoms also rose sharply among children aged 5 to 17 in late January, even as rates for adults stabilized or declined.
Vaccination Rates Continue to Drop
‘Experts’ claim that declining vaccination coverage as a major contributing factor. As of January 17, only 45.1 percent of children aged six months to 17 years had received a flu vaccine, a steep drop from 63.7 percent during the 2019–2020 season. Last flu season was the deadliest ever recorded for children, with 289 pediatric deaths, underscoring the risks of low vaccine uptake.
Policy Shifts and Medical Community Response
Earlier this season, federal guidance was adjusted to encourage parents to consult pediatricians rather than universally recommending annual flu shots for all children starting at six months of age. Despite this change, major medical organizations such as the American Academy of Pediatrics continue to strongly support yearly flu vaccination for children and adults alike. This Medical News report highlights growing concern that mixed messaging may be contributing to vaccine hesitancy at a critical time.
Ongoing Risks and Public Health Warnings
Health advocates stress that it is not too lat
e to get vaccinated. While flu shots may not prevent every infection, they significantly reduce the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death. The ongoing spread of multiple flu strains, combined with historically high pediatric hospitalization rates, suggests that vigilance remains essential as the season progresses.
Health experts emphasize that the current data point to a clear pattern linking reduced vaccination rates with increased hospitalizations and fatalities, reinforcing the urgent need for preventive measures and informed public health decisions.
Reference:
https://www.cdc.gov/fluview/surveillance/2026-week-03.html
For the latest on the flu situation in the United States, keep on logging to Thailand
Medical News.
Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/influenza-or-flu