US CDC Estimates 4.6 Million Infections, 49,000 Hospitalizations, and 1,900 Deaths From Flu Surge That is Expected to Worsen
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Dec 28, 2025 1 hour, 53 minutes ago
Medical News: US CDC Warns Flu Surge Is Accelerating Nationwide
Seasonal influenza activity is steadily rising across the United States, with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warning that the current surge is likely to intensify further in the coming weeks. Patterns observed so far mirror several previous flu seasons, but the growing number of infections suggests the 2025 to 2026 influenza season has officially begun in many parts of the country.
A sharp rise in flu cases driven by H3N2 strains is placing growing pressure on hospitals across the United States
According to national surveillance data, multiple key indicators are showing sustained elevated influenza activity. While severity indicators such as intensive care admissions remain relatively low for now, health officials caution that this may change as viral transmission continues to increase.
Millions Already Affected as Hospitalizations Mount
U.S. CDC estimates reveal the true scale of the outbreak. At least 4.6 million flu illnesses have already occurred nationwide this season. These infections have resulted in approximately 49,000 hospitalizations and an estimated 1,900 deaths so far. These figures underscore the significant burden influenza continues to place on the healthcare system even before peak activity has been reached.
This
Medical News report highlights that children have not been spared. Two additional influenza associated pediatric deaths were reported during the latest surveillance week, bringing the season total to three child fatalities attributed to flu related complications.
Dominance of Influenza A H3N2 Strains
Laboratory testing shows that influenza A viruses are overwhelmingly dominant. During Week 50, public health laboratories reported 927 influenza viruses, with 911 identified as influenza A and only 16 as influenza B. Of the influenza A samples that were subtyped, nearly 90 percent were classified as the A H3N2 strain, while just over 10 percent were H1N1 pdm09.
Further genetic analysis conducted by the CDC found that almost 90 percent of tested A H3N2 viruses belong to subclade K, a strain that has been associated in past seasons with higher transmission rates and more severe illness in vulnerable populations.
Treatment Remain Critical
Health authorities are saying that prescription antiviral medications are also available and are most effective when started early, especially for individuals at higher risk of complications.
Influenza is currently circulating alongside other respiratory viruses such as COVID 19 and RSV, compounding overall respiratory disease activity. Continued vigilance and early treatment remain essential as the flu season progresses and intensifies across the country.
Reference:
https://ww
w.cdc.gov/fluview/surveillance/2025-week-50.html
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