The CDC’s latest seasonal respiratory virus outlook suggests the 2025–26 virus season will bring similar levels of hospitalizations as last year, though the impact of flu is expected to be more moderate compared to 2024–25.
What to Know
- In its latest report, the CDC projects that flu, COVID-19, and RSV will lead to hospitalization peaks comparable to last season.
- The 2024–25 flu season ranked among the most severe since 2010, with a hospitalization rate of 127.1 per 100,000 people. Preliminary CDC estimates include 47 million illnesses, 21 million healthcare visits, 610,000 hospitalizations, and 28,000 flu-related deaths. (CDC data)
- While two consecutive high-severity flu seasons have never been recorded in over 20 years of CDC tracking, the agency says it’s not impossible. Still, projections indicate a moderate flu season across all age groups.
- Health experts also analyze the Southern Hemisphere’s flu season (April–September) to help predict trends in the U.S. According to a CDC report published Sept. 25, the flu vaccine there was 50.4% effective in preventing outpatient visits and 49.7% effective in preventing hospitalizations.
- Because the 2025–26 flu vaccine uses the same composition as the one used in the Southern Hemisphere, the CDC expects it to be similarly effective if the same viruses circulate this season.
While this year’s flu activity is expected to be moderate, the CDC continues to emphasize annual flu vaccination as the best protection against serious illness. Practices should ensure vaccine supply is stocked and encourage patients to get vaccinated early in the season.
Resources: CDC Flu Homepage