CDC reports 6 more child deaths from flu, as virus levels stay moderate to high

The United States is currently experiencing a widespread surge in respiratory illnesses, including influenza, RSV, and COVID-19. Recent data indicates a concerning trend: six additional children succumbed to the flu last week, bringing the total pediatric deaths for this respiratory illness season to 66. This comes as flu rates are reported as moderate to very high across different regions of the country.

Rising Pediatric Flu Deaths and Vulnerability

A particularly alarming statistic reveals that 90% of the pediatric deaths this season involved children who were eligible for, but had not received, the influenza vaccine. The CDC data shows that children are experiencing more severe illness from the flu compared to adults and older adults, who are currently categorized as having moderate-severity illness.

Did You Know? The 2024-25 influenza season already recorded 289 pediatric deaths—the highest number reported in a non-pandemic flu season since the CDC began tracking these deaths in 2004.

Multiple Respiratory Viruses Circulating

Influenza isn’t the only respiratory virus causing concern. Levels of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are also elevated and increasing, leading to a rise in emergency department visits for children under one year and those between one and four years old. Hospital admissions are highest among infants. While COVID-19 rates remain elevated and are growing in some states, emergency department visits for the virus are decreasing.

Flu Activity and Emerging Variants

Flu test positivity has slightly increased to 18.6%, and outpatient visits for respiratory illness have risen to 4.6%. A cumulative 67.0 people per 100,000 have been hospitalized with the flu, with 14,656 admissions reported last week. Nine states are currently experiencing growing case numbers.

Expert Insight: The high proportion of unvaccinated children among those who have died underscores the critical importance of vaccination as a preventative measure against severe influenza outcomes. The data suggests a significant gap between eligibility and uptake, highlighting a potential area for public health intervention.

Currently, influenza A activity is declining, accounting for 67.2% of cases, while influenza B is on the rise, now representing 32.8% of cases. Genetic characterization of influenza A viruses reveals that 92% belong to the subclade K variant, which exhibits mutations that may reduce the effectiveness of the current flu vaccine.

Data from wastewater sampling indicates moderate levels of SARS-CoV-2 and RSV, but low levels of influenza. However, WastewaterSCAN data presents a different picture, showing high levels of SARS-CoV-2, influenza, RSV, and human metapneumovirus (HMPV).

To date, this flu season has resulted in 23 million illnesses, 300,000 hospitalizations, and 19,000 deaths. The CDC anticipates that the combined peak hospitalizations due to COVID-19, influenza, and RSV this fall and winter will likely be similar to those experienced last season.

Frequently Asked Questions

What percentage of eligible children who died from the flu this season were unvaccinated?

90% of the pediatric deaths this season involved children who were eligible for vaccination but had not received it.

Which age groups are currently experiencing the most severe illness from RSV?

Hospital admissions are highest among infants younger than one year, and emergency department visits are elevated among children younger than one year and those aged one to four years.

What is the current status of COVID-19 rates?

COVID-19 rates are still elevated and growing in some states, but emergency department visits for the virus are decreasing.

As the respiratory illness season progresses, case numbers and hospitalizations could continue to rise, particularly if the influenza B variant continues to spread and the subclade K variant of influenza A proves resistant to the current vaccine. We see also possible that COVID-19 rates could fluctuate depending on emerging variants and public health measures. The interplay between these viruses will likely shape the overall burden of respiratory illness in the coming weeks.