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US Flu Season: Child Deaths Reach Alarming 71
23 Feb
Summary
- Seventy-one children have died from flu complications this season.
- Ninety percent of child deaths involved unvaccinated children.
- Influenza B strain is causing more severe illness in children.
As of February 23, 2026, the United States has recorded 71 child deaths attributed to flu complications during the current season. This figure is alarmingly close to the total recorded for the entire 2024-2025 season. Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that a vast majority, about 90 percent, of these pediatric fatalities occurred in children who were not fully vaccinated.
Recent weeks have seen a notable increase in influenza B cases, which typically becomes more severe in children. By February 14, 2026, influenza B accounted for over 45 percent of reported cases, a significant jump from the previous week. Doctors anticipate this trend will continue, particularly as the season usually extends until May. Complications from influenza B can be more severe, including seizures, vomiting, diarrhea, pneumonia, and potentially brain swelling, with viral myositis being a distinct concern.
The current flu season has led to an estimated 23 million cases, 300,000 hospitalizations, and 19,000 deaths nationwide. Levels of flu activity are currently highest in Oregon, Missouri, and Louisiana, with elevated rates across much of the southern U.S. Meanwhile, final tallies for the previous flu season also saw an update, with one additional child death confirmed, bringing that season's total to 290.
