US flu season the worst it’s been in at least 15 years

The United States has experienced the busiest winter virus season in 15 years, as indicated by the percentage of doctor visits driven by influenza-like symptoms in the first week of February 2025, according to data released by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While hospital data demonstrate a substantial decrease in cases of both the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) and the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) across the nation, influenza has led to the closure of schools in certain states. The CDC estimates that, to date this season, there have been at least 24 million flu cases, 310,000 hospital admissions, and 13,000 deaths, including at least 57 children. The flu season traditionally peaks around February, and 43 states reported high or very high flu activity last week, with the highest levels of activity being recorded in the South, Southwest, and West. According to data from the CDC, two strains of seasonal influenza are predominantly responsible for the observed cases of illness: Type A H1N1 and Type A H3N2. A third strain, avian influenza of the Type A H5N1 variety, is also being closely monitored by health officials. This strain is widespread among birds and has infected 67 people in the United States.