Flu activity elevated across the US with at least 18 million cases: CDC
ABC News • • health
Key Points:
- Flu activity remains elevated in the U.S., with the CDC estimating at least 18 million illnesses, 230,000 hospitalizations, and 9,300 deaths this season, including 32 pediatric deaths so far.
- Fourteen states report "very high" flu-like illness levels, and 19 states report "high" levels, with most cases linked to the H3N2 subclade K flu strain, which has driven recent spikes internationally.
- Children under 24, especially those aged 4 and under, account for the majority of doctor visits for flu, with 90% of pediatric deaths occurring in children not fully vaccinated against influenza.
- Although some flu indicators are trending downward, the CDC warns of a possible second increase
