The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that the nation’s flu season may have reached its peak, with elevated flu activity decreasing slightly over two consecutive weeks. According to CDC data, there were more than 6 flu hospitalizations per 100,000 people in the US during the week ending February 22. This is a significant drop from two weeks earlier but still higher than usual.
This season has seen at least 37 million illnesses, 480,000 hospitalizations, and 21,000 deaths attributed to flu so far. The CDC expects further flu activity over the coming weeks. Notably, this season’s flu hospitalization rates have surpassed those of COVID-19, with nearly twice as many flu hospitalizations reported.
Vaccination is crucial in preventing severe flu outcomes, but low vaccination rates have been a concern. Only 45% of adults and children received their flu shots, falling short of the federal target of 70%. The CDC reports that the flu vaccine was effective at preventing hospitalization among children (63-78%) and adults (41-55%).
The CDC emphasizes the need for increased influenza vaccination to reduce flu-associated illnesses, medical visits, hospitalizations, and deaths.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/02/28/health/us-flu-season-peak-cdc/index.html