Washington: US flu cases have climbed sharply in December, following the most severe influenza season since 2018, prompting health experts to urge vaccination as deaths and hospitalisations increase.
US flu cases have increased significantly in December, coming after what health authorities have described as the most severe influenza season since 2018. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have shown a sharp rise in infections, raising concerns as winter progresses.
It has not yet been determined whether more people overall will contract influenza this season or whether a large number of cases have simply occurred within a short period. However, more than 3,100 people died from influenza-related causes in the US in the year ending August 2025, according to the latest CDC figures.
The surge has followed a 2024–2025 flu season that was the worst since 2018. That season also recorded 279 influenza-associated paediatric deaths, the highest number reported to the CDC during a seasonal epidemic.
By December 20, the CDC estimated that US flu cases had reached 7.5 million nationwide, with approximately 81,000 hospitalisations. This represented a 25 percent increase in cases compared with the previous week. Thirty-two states have reported high or very high levels of influenza activity.
Health experts have warned that a large number of people falling ill at the same time can put greater pressure on hospitals. Epidemiologists have noted that concentrated outbreaks often strain healthcare systems more than cases spread out over longer periods.
Concerns have also been raised about declining vaccination rates. At the start of December, around 130 million flu vaccine doses had been distributed in the US, which is 13 million fewer than at the same point last year. Public health specialists have warned that reduced vaccine uptake could worsen the impact of the season.
A newly emerged influenza variant, known as subclade K, has been detected this year. The flu season has also started earlier than usual in parts of Europe, where influenza activity has been described as high or very high.
Experts have advised that vaccination still provides meaningful protection, particularly for young children and older adults, even if effectiveness against newer variants may be lower.
People have also been reminded that at-home flu tests are available at pharmacies, and early testing can help those eligible for antiviral medication, which is most effective soon after symptoms begin.
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