Flu Season Intensifies as Respiratory Viruses Surge Across U.S.

ATLANTA, Ga. – The 2024–2025 flu season has reached alarming levels across the United States, with at least 15 states reporting “very high” influenza activity, according to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Wastewater testing indicates widespread flu circulation, with respiratory viruses thriving in colder, drier winter conditions.

As of January 11, 2025, the CDC reported 5.3 million flu-related illnesses, 63,000 hospitalizations, and 2,700 deaths this season. Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 and A(H3N2) are the predominant strains, accounting for 97.2% of positive flu cases. Nationally, 18.8% of respiratory specimens tested positive for influenza in clinical laboratories during the week ending January 4.

“Wastewater testing serves as an early warning system, allowing us to detect outbreaks even before symptoms appear in communities,” said a CDC spokesperson. The data reveals that Region 6, which includes Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas, has the highest flu positivity rate at 22.5%.

Hospitalizations have surged, with 9,987 laboratory-confirmed flu-related admissions reported between October 1, 2024, and January 11, 2025. Adults aged 65 and older are the most affected, with a hospitalization rate of 98.3 per 100,000 population. Non-Hispanic Black individuals have the highest cumulative hospitalization rate at 49.6 per 100,000.

Eleven pediatric flu deaths were reported during Week 2 of 2025, bringing the season’s total to 27. All pediatric deaths were associated with influenza A viruses, with half confirmed as A(H1N1) and half as A(H3N2).

Despite a slight decrease in outpatient visits for flu-like symptoms, the CDC warns that the decline may reflect holiday-related changes in healthcare-seeking behavior rather than a peak in flu activity. The agency continues to recommend vaccination and antiviral treatments for high-risk groups.