The United States has experienced a notable increase in influenza cases this December, following the most severe flu season recorded since 2018. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that over 3,100 people died from the virus in the year ending August 2025. This surge raises questions about whether the current spike indicates a higher overall infection rate or simply a clustering of cases in a short period.
Health experts emphasize the importance of vaccination as a preventive measure. Jennifer Nuzzo, an epidemiologist at Brown University, stressed that individuals who have not yet received a flu vaccine should do so. “Bottom line for people, if they haven’t gotten vaccinated against the flu, they should get vaccinated, particularly young kids and older adults,” Nuzzo stated.
The CDC’s data shows that the ongoing flu season has already resulted in an estimated 7.5 million influenza cases and 81,000 hospitalizations by December 20, 2024. This figure represents a 25% increase in cases compared to the previous week, with thirty-two states reporting “high or very high” levels of flu activity.
Concerns Over Vaccine Uptake and New Variants
The rise in cases comes on the heels of a particularly challenging 2024-2025 flu season, which included 279 influenza-associated pediatric deaths, the highest reported during a seasonal influenza epidemic. The emergence of a new variant, known as subclade K, has contributed to the early onset of the flu season in Europe, where health officials noted “high or very high influenza activity” in December.
Nuzzo highlighted concerns that fewer individuals may opt for the flu vaccine this year. The CDC, led by Robert F. Kennedy Jr., canceled its campaign promoting vaccination, which could impact public awareness and participation. By early December, approximately 130 million flu vaccines had been distributed in the US, down by 13 million compared to the same period last year.
“It’s completely incredulous to me that after experiencing the worst flu season for kids on record that we could head into this flu season – with signs that it could be bad, based on the viruses circulating out there – with anything but a robust plan to encourage people to get vaccinated,” Nuzzo remarked.
Understanding Treatment Options and Testing
Concerns also persist regarding the effectiveness of the current vaccine formulations against the new variant. Nuzzo noted that while there may be some reduction in protection, the vaccine likely still offers important benefits. “It may protect you less, but it’s likely still going to give you some important protection,” she explained.
Additionally, many individuals may be unaware that they can obtain at-home flu tests from local pharmacies. Nuzzo pointed out that timely access to antiviral medications can significantly benefit those who test positive, but such treatments must be administered shortly after symptoms begin.
As flu cases continue to rise, health officials emphasize the need for vigilance and proactive measures to safeguard public health. Vaccination remains a critical tool in mitigating the impact of influenza this season.
