“`html
Flu Cases Surge Across US, Raising Concerns of Severe 2024-2025 Season
Table of Contents
A significant climb in influenza cases throughout December is prompting health officials to urge preventative measures, following what the centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has described as the moast severe flu season since 2018. While the ultimate scale of this yearS outbreak remains uncertain, early indicators suggest a potentially challenging winter for public health.
rapid Increase in Cases and Hospitalizations
The United States has already seen an estimated 7.5 million influenza cases and 81,000 hospitalizations by December 20, representing a 25% increase in cases compared to the previous week, according to the CDC. This surge is notably concerning as it follows the 2024-2025 flu season, which was already the most severe in six years. Thirty-two states are currently reporting “high or very high” levels of flu illness.
“A lot of people are getting the flu at the same time,which is always tough,” one epidemiologist explained. “That is actually tougher than a situation in which people get it and it’s spread out over a longer period. It might very well be a worse season, in part as more people are going to need more care than hospitals can easily deliver.”
New Variant and Vaccine Concerns
Adding to the complexity, a new influenza variant, designated subclade K, has emerged. The flu season also began earlier than usual in Europe, with “high or very high influenza activity” reported in december.
Concerns are also mounting regarding vaccine uptake. The CDC, under the leadership of the health secretary, reportedly canceled its public awareness campaign encouraging flu vaccination. As of early December, approximately 130 million flu vaccines had been distributed nationwide – 13 million fewer than distributed at the same point last year.
“It’s fully incredulous to me that after experiencing the worst flu season for kids on record that we could head into this flu season – with signs that it could be bad, based on the viruses circulating out there – with anything but a robust plan to encourage people to get vaccinated,” the epidemiologist stated.
Vaccination Remains Key, Despite Potential Reduced Efficacy
Despite anxieties surrounding the new variant and potential reduced vaccine effectiveness, experts continue to emphasize the importance of vaccination. “Bottom line for people, if they haven’t gotten vaccinated against the flu, they should get vaccinated, particularly young kids and older adults,” the epidemiologist advised.
While acknowledging that the current vaccine may offer somewhat diminished protection against subclade K, experts believe it will still provide valuable defense.”We have some reason to think that the protection may be lower, but I want to be careful by saying that,” the epidemiologist noted. “It may protect you less, but it’s likely still going to give you some vital protection.”
Access to Testing and Treatment
Public health officials are also reminding individuals of the availability of at-home influenza tests at pharmacies. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial, as antiviral medications are most effective when administered shortly after the onset of symptoms.
More than 3,100 people in the US died from the virus in the year ending August 2025,according to
