Flu Cases Surge Across the United States as Hospitals Report Record High Admissions and Pediatric Deaths

Across the United States, communities are facing an alarming surge in flu cases that’s showing no signs of slowing down.

Hospitals are reporting record-breaking admissions, while public health officials warn that the dangerous H3N2 subclade K strain is spreading faster than usual, catching many off guard.

According to the latest CDC data for the week ending December 27, 32 states now report “very high” influenza activity—up from 22 the week before.

Cities across the country are feeling the strain as this season’s flu proves particularly aggressive.

States Hit Record Flu Levels

The CDC’s highest activity level, classified as level 13, has been assigned to 21 states, including Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Ohio, Michigan, and several others.

These areas are seeing hospitalizations and cases soar to unprecedented levels.

New York State, for instance, recorded just over 72,000 influenza cases during the week of December 20—the highest number ever documented.

One in four of those cases came from New York City alone.

Hospitalizations Reach Historic Highs

Flu-related hospitalizations have also hit record levels.

During the week of December 27, about 4,550 people were hospitalized with influenza in New York, representing a 24 percent jump from the previous week.

Nationwide, the hospitalization rate now stands at 28 per 100,000 people—a 54 percent increase in just seven days.

Meanwhile, the number of states reporting low or minimal flu activity has dwindled drastically.

Montana and Vermont are now the only two states in the “low” category, and no state reports “minimal” activity.

Pediatric Cases and Flu Deaths Surge

Tragically, the rise in cases includes more children falling seriously ill.

The CDC reports nine pediatric deaths this season, including 16-year-old Ryleigh Spurlock from Ohio, who went from mild flu symptoms to a fatal condition in less than a week.

Ryleigh’s stepmother described how quickly her temperature skyrocketed, leading to sepsis and double pneumonia—all linked to influenza.

In the prior week, 14-year-old Noah Smothers from Alabama and another child from Kentucky also lost their lives to flu complications.

Flu Strain and Vaccine Effectiveness

Experts warn that this year’s dominant H3N2 subclade K is new to many immune systems, leaving people particularly vulnerable.

Influenza A, which makes up three-quarters of cases this season, can cause severe illness, but annual vaccination remains the best defense.

Vaccines for the current season are estimated to be 30–75 percent effective.

As of mid-December, around 42 percent of American adults have received this year’s flu shot, roughly matching last year’s coverage.

How to Protect Yourself

Medical experts emphasize recognizing severe symptoms and seeking care quickly.

Dr. Neal Shipley, medical director at Northwell Health-GoHealth Urgent Care, noted that children may experience vomiting and diarrhea, while older adults face the highest risk of hospitalization or death.

He advises urgent care for anyone experiencing rapid symptom worsening, trouble breathing, dehydration, or persistent illness.

Dr. Ken Redcross also recommends frequent handwashing and avoiding contact with sick individuals to limit exposure, especially during the busy holiday season.

Hospitals Reinstate Precautions

With hospitals stretched thin, some facilities are reintroducing Covid-era restrictions, including visitor limits and mask mandates, to curb transmission.

The CDC now classifies the 2025–2026 flu season as “moderate severity,” a notable escalation from earlier in the season, though still below last year’s “high severity” classification.

Looking Ahead

Health officials continue monitoring the outbreak closely as the flu spreads across the country.

With new strains challenging immunity and hospital resources strained, experts urge vaccination, caution, and prompt medical attention to prevent further tragedies.

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