Flu activity across the U.S. remains relatively low but is beginning to increase — especially among children and young adults — according to the CDC’s latest FluView report published Dec. 1. In the week ending Nov. 22, flu-related hospitalizations rose sharply to 3,264, a 39% jump from the previous week. Outpatient visits for flu-like illness also edged up to 2.5%, still below the national baseline of 3.1%. Young children (ages 4 and under) continue to be the most affected, with outpatient visits reaching 7.7%.
So far this season, the CDC estimates 1.1 million flu infections, 11,000 hospitalizations, and 450 deaths nationwide.
Here are four additional virus trends to watch:
- Whooping cough cases remain unusually high. The U.S. has reported more than 25,000 pertussis cases this year, marking the second consecutive year above historical norms. Cases remain elevated amid declining vaccination rates.
- Measles cases continue to climb. As of Nov. 25, the CDC has confirmed 1,798 measles cases across 42 states, with 12% requiring hospitalization. The nation has experienced 46 outbreaks this year, largely among unvaccinated individuals or those with unknown vaccination status.
- Global measles deaths have dropped significantly. A new WHO report shows an 88% decline in global measles deaths from 2000 to 2024. Still, outbreaks are growing — 59 countries reported large or disruptive measles activity in 2024, nearly triple 2021 levels.
- FDA considers major vaccine approval changes. An internal FDA memo — cited by The New York Times — proposes broad updates to the vaccine evaluation process, referencing a review that linked COVID-19 vaccines to rare pediatric deaths. The analysis is unpublished and has prompted concern from public health experts. The document surfaced ahead of a Dec. 4–5 ACIP meeting reviewing childhood vaccine schedules.