US Flu Outbreak Surges: 3,100 Deaths and Over 7.5 Million Infections

29 0 2026-1-2 12:50 发布者: 林肯

The latest data released by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that influenza activity levels continue to rise across the country. Since the start of the current flu season, it is estimated that there have been at least 7.5 million cumulative flu cases in the U.S., including approximately 81,000 hospitalizations and 3,100 deaths.

According to the CDC, multiple key surveillance indicators in all regions of the U.S. show that influenza activity remains at a high level. The influenza A (H3N2) virus is the dominant strain this flu season. During the week ending December 20, 2025, U.S. public health laboratories reported a total of 2,086 influenza virus specimens, of which 2,029 were influenza A and 57 were influenza B.

Further genetic characterization analysis was conducted by the CDC on 275 influenza A (H3N2) virus specimens collected since September 28. Approximately 89.5% of these specimens belong to the K clade of the H3N2 virus.

The CDC stated that around 130 million doses of flu vaccine have been distributed in the U.S. this flu season, and it recommends that everyone aged 6 months and older get an annual flu shot to reduce the risk of infection and severe illness.

As noted on the CDC website, flu season in the U.S. typically occurs in fall and winter, with a peak period from December to February each year. Annual flu vaccination not only helps prevent influenza infection but also reduces the risk of severe illness, hospitalization, and death, as well as curbing community transmission. In addition, antiviral medications should be administered as soon as possible after flu infection, which is particularly crucial for individuals at high risk of developing serious complications, such as the elderly and patients with chronic diseases.