Tue Dec 30 12:00:00 UTC 2025: Flu Cases Surge Across the US, New York Sees Record Highs

Washington D.C. – Flu activity is rapidly increasing across the United States, fueled by holiday travel and gatherings, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). So far this season, the CDC estimates at least 4.6 million people have been infected, leading to 49,000 hospitalizations and 1,900 deaths. Experts anticipate these numbers will continue to climb.

Health officials have identified a new flu strain, subclade K (a variant of the H3N2 virus), as a significant contributor to the current surge. The CDC reports that 89% of the H3N2 viruses genetically characterized since September 28th were subclade K.

The rise in cases is particularly alarming in New York State, which has reported a record 71,123 flu cases for the week ending December 20th – the highest number recorded in a single week since mandatory reporting began in 2004. This represents a 38% increase from the previous week. Hospitalizations in New York have also surged, climbing 63% in the same period.

Dr. Darien Sutton, an emergency medical physician and ABC News medical correspondent, noted the busy conditions in emergency rooms and urged the public to take precautions. “National numbers typically lag during the holiday, but state health department numbers are giving us insight to just how severe this flu season is,” Dr. Sutton stated.

Public health officials emphasize the importance of preventative measures. The CDC recommends that everyone aged 6 months and older get a flu vaccine, with rare exceptions. Other recommended precautions include masking, and frequent handwashing.

Dr. Sutton assured that while hospitalizations are up, the disease itself is not a “super flu”. However, he emphasized that “the flu is so much more than a simple cold,” and that people are coming to the emergency room feeling severely ill.

The CDC urges individuals at higher risk of complications, such as young children and the elderly, to prioritize vaccination. Last season, 90% of children who died from the flu were unvaccinated, according to a CDC study.

Read More