According to the CDC’s latest FluView report, flu hospitalizations are at the third-highest level for this point in the season in 15 years, with a cumulative hospitalization rate of 6.9 per 100,000 for the week ending Dec. 6. Weekly hospitalizations also increased to 2.2 per 100,000, up from 1.7 the week prior.
- ED visits for flu, COVID-19, and RSV remain low but are rising, with flu-related visits at 1.6% nationally.
- The first pediatric flu death of the 2025–26 season was reported, with flu contributing to 0.2% of all deaths that week.
- High influenza-like activity was reported in Colorado, New York, and Louisiana, with 3.2% of outpatient visits for respiratory illness—above the national baseline of 3.1%.
- The CDC estimates 2.9 million flu cases, 30,000 hospitalizations, and 1,200 deaths so far this season.
Resource: Flu admissions hit third-highest early-season level in 15 years