CDC reports elevated flu activity and a high hospitalization peak; pediatric deaths reach 32 this season

Seasonal influenza activity remains elevated across the United States, according to CDC’s FluView surveillance update for Week 1 of the 2025–2026 flu season (week ending January 10, 2026). While CDC noted that activity had decreased or held steady for two consecutive weeks, officials also warned they continue to monitor for a second rise in flu activity that often follows the winter holidays, when travel and indoor gatherings can boost transmission.

The report identified influenza A(H3N2) viruses as the most frequently reported so far this season. CDC’s additional characterization work on collected viruses showed a large share of tested A(H3N2) viruses belonging to a specific genetic subclade, an indicator the agency uses to understand how circulating viruses are evolving. That information helps inform assessments of vaccine match, severity trends, and the potential for different waves of illness over time.

Hospitalization data highlighted why public health officials are treating the season as serious. CDC’s FluSurv-NET showed the weekly influenza-associated hospitalization rate peaked during Week 52 at 12.6 per 100,000 population, described as the second-highest peak weekly rate overall since the 2010–2011 season. Although the rate declined by Week 1, the cumulative burden remained substantial, with more than 17,000 laboratory-confirmed flu-associated hospitalizations reported between October 1, 2025, and January 10, 2026 in the network’s surveillance counties.

Children have been hit particularly hard. CDC said the peak weekly hospitalization rate among people under 18 years was the highest observed since the 2010–2011 season. The report also said that 15 pediatric deaths were reported that week, bringing the season total to 32 reported influenza-associated pediatric deaths as of the update. Those figures emphasize that influenza can cause severe disease, not just mild symptoms, especially when viruses circulate widely during colder months.

Public health officials typically urge vaccination and early treatment to reduce severe outcomes. Antiviral medications can be most effective when started early, and healthcare providers often prioritize rapid evaluation for high-risk groups, including young children, older adults, pregnant people, and those with underlying conditions. The CDC’s warning about a potential second post-holiday uptick is also a reminder that community risk can rise again even after a brief decline.

As the winter progresses, CDC will continue releasing weekly surveillance updates tracking viruses, hospitalizations, and deaths. For families and clinicians, the near-term focus is on prevention, monitoring symptoms, and seeking timely care for severe illness—particularly for children, who are showing unusually high hospitalization rates this season. The overall message from the surveillance data is that the flu season remains intense and should be treated as an ongoing public health concern through late winter.