What is the current flu activity according to the CDC?

The CDC describes the current respiratory virus season as moderate, with a substantial fall in flu-related hospital admissions.

Will flu activity increase again after the holidays?

Medical experts caution that a second surge in flu activity often occurs after the winter holidays, so the season may not be over.

Which flu strain is dominating this season and why is it concerning?

The season is dominated by the A H3N2 strain, which historically causes more hospitalizations and deaths in older people and has a new variant.

Home / Health / CDC Reports Major Drop in Flu Hospitalizations

CDC Reports Major Drop in Flu Hospitalizations

17 Jan

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Summary

Flu hospital admissions have seen a substantial decrease, CDC figures show.
High flu activity states dropped from 44 to 36, indicating a positive trend.
Flu season is considered moderate, but a second surge remains possible.

CDC Reports Major Drop in Flu Hospitalizations

Figures from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveal a substantial fall in flu-related hospital admissions, signaling a potential easing of the current respiratory virus season. There has also been a decrease in medical appointments for flu-like symptoms, and the number of states reporting high flu activity has dropped from 44 to 36. This positive trend is occurring without significant surges in other prevalent winter illnesses like COVID-19 and RSV.

Despite the declining numbers, CDC officials have characterized the season as 'moderate,' cautioning that it is far from over. Infectious diseases specialists note that flu activity often sees a resurgence after the winter holidays. This season has been particularly concerning due to the dominance of the A H3N2 flu strain, which historically leads to higher hospitalizations and deaths among older adults.