The United States continues to grapple with a significant influenza season, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting a concerning increase in pediatric deaths. For the second consecutive week, 11 children have succumbed to the flu, bringing the total number of pediatric fatalities this season to 101. However, amidst this somber news, the CDC’s latest FluView report, covering the week ending March 7, indicates that several key flu indicators are beginning to show a slight decline.
While flu activity remains elevated nationwide, the CDC data reveals a modest decrease in test positivity, dropping from 15.8% to 15.3%. Healthcare visits related to respiratory illness too saw a slight dip, moving from 3.9% to 3.7% of all visits. Hospitalizations due to influenza totaled 9,130, a decrease from the 10,763 reported the previous week. The percentage of deaths attributed to influenza also decreased, falling from 0.7% to 0.5% of all deaths.
Cumulative Flu Season Severity
Despite the recent slight declines, the current flu season is proving to be particularly severe, especially for children. The cumulative flu hospitalization rate, as tracked by FluSurv-NET, is currently the third highest recorded since the 2010-2011 flu season. Children are experiencing the second-highest cumulative hospitalization rate for their age group since that same period. The CDC has classified this flu season as “high severity” for children and “moderate severity” for adults and older adults.
The dominant strain circulating this season continues to be influenza A, although its prevalence is decreasing. Genetic testing of 1,667 influenza A viruses since September 2025 revealed that 92.5% were of the A(H3N2) subclade K. A particularly concerning statistic highlighted by the CDC is that approximately 85% of the 101 children who have died from the flu this season were unvaccinated.
the CDC estimates that at least 27 million Americans have been infected with the flu this season, leading to approximately 350,000 hospitalizations and 22,000 deaths.
RSV and COVID-19 Trends
Alongside influenza, the CDC is also monitoring the spread of other respiratory viruses. The agency reports that the amount of acute respiratory illness causing people to seek medical care is currently low. However, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity started later than usual this year, and the CDC predicts that the RSV season may extend into April in many areas of the United States, particularly impacting infants and children under 4 years of age. Emergency department visits and hospitalizations related to RSV remain moderate.
In contrast, COVID-19 activity remains low and continues to decline. Emergency department visits for COVID-19 are currently categorized as “incredibly low,” and deaths related to the virus account for only 0.5% of all deaths. RSV-related deaths are even lower, at 0.1%.
Data from WastewaterSCAN indicates high levels of influenza A and B, RSV, and human metapneumovirus, alongside moderate levels of SARS-CoV-2.
As the flu season continues, public health officials emphasize the importance of preventative measures, including vaccination, staying home when sick, and practicing good hygiene. The CDC continues to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as they become available.
The coming weeks will be crucial in determining the trajectory of the flu season. Continued monitoring of key indicators, such as hospitalization rates and viral strains, will be essential for informing public health recommendations and protecting vulnerable populations.
What are your thoughts on the current flu season? Share your experiences and concerns in the comments below. Please also share this article with your friends and family to help spread awareness.
Disclaimer: This information is intended for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice. We see essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.
