CDC reports six pediatric flu deaths as US influenza activity declines

8 articles · Updated · CDC · May 1

The deaths were logged in week 15 of the 2025-26 season, while outpatient illness fell to 1.9% and emergency department influenza diagnoses to 0.6%.
CDC said five deaths involved influenza A, including four H3N2 cases, and one involved influenza B; no new human H5 infections were reported this week.
Despite the decline, cumulative hospitalization rates remain high at 85.2 per 100,000, the third highest since 2010-11, and about 85% of eligible children who died were not fully vaccinated.

With flu hospitalizations at a decade high and vaccines less effective, what urgent steps can protect vulnerable children and seniors now?

How will emerging flu variants like H3N2 subclade K reshape vaccine development and public health strategies for future seasons?

Given rising antiviral resistance, what innovations are on the horizon to ensure effective flu treatment if current drugs lose potency?