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After reaching a second, and even higher peak in mid-February, the CDC's FluView activity indicators in week 7 have dropped slightly, although they remain elevated across much of the nations. Two new H5 cases were added during this latest reporting period, along with 18 pediatric flu-related deaths.
Key points from this week's FluView follow:
Key Points
• Nationally, seasonal influenza activity remains elevated. This season is now classified as a high severity season overall and for all age groups (children, adults, older adults) and is the first high severity season since 2017-2018.
• During Week 7, of the 2,486 viruses reported by public health laboratories, 2,383 were influenza A and 103 were influenza B. Of the 1,788 influenza A viruses subtyped during Week 7, 1,115 (62.4%) were influenza A(H1N1)pdm09, 673 (37.6%) were A(H3N2), and zero were A(H5).
• Two new confirmed cases of avian influenza A(H5) were reported to CDC this week. To date, human-to-human transmission of avian influenza A(H5) virus (H5 bird flu) has not been identified in the United States.
• Outpatient respiratory illness decreased slightly this week compared to last week, but remains above the national baseline for the twelfth consecutive week. All 10 HHS regions are above their region-specific baselines.
• Eighteen pediatric deaths associated with seasonal influenza virus infection were reported this week, bringing the 2024-2025 season total to 86 pediatric deaths.
• CDC estimates that there have been at least 33 million illnesses, 430,000 hospitalizations, and 19,000 deaths from flu so far this season.
• CDC recommends that everyone ages 6 months and older get an annual influenza (flu) vaccine.1
• There are prescription flu antiviral drugs that can treat flu illness; those should be started as early as possible and are especially important for patients at higher risk for severe illness.2
• Influenza viruses are among several viruses contributing to respiratory disease activity. CDC is providing updated, integrated information about COVID-19, flu, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity on a weekly basis.
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Novel Influenza A Virus InfectionsTwo confirmed human infections with avian influenza A(H5) virus were reported to CDC this week. To date, human-to-human transmission of avian influenza A(H5) virus has not been identified in the United States.
One case was reported by the Wyoming Department of Health. It occurred in an individual aged ≥18 years who had exposure to a backyard flock that was positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) A(H5N1) virus. This individual developed respiratory and non-respiratory symptoms, was hospitalized, and remains so at the time of this report.
The second case was reported by the Ohio Department of Health. It occurred in an individual aged ≥18 years who worked at a commercial poultry facility where HPAI A(H5N1) virus had been detected in birds; the individual was involved in depopulation activities. This individual also developed respiratory and non-respiratory symptoms, was hospitalized, and is now recovering at home.
Specimens were collected from the individuals and initially tested at state public health laboratories using the CDC influenza A(H5) assay before being sent to CDC for further testing. Avian influenza A(H5N1) virus was confirmed at CDC for both cases. These are the first human influenza A(H5) cases in Wyoming and Ohio.
