Flu Activity Declines, Pediatric Hospitalizations Up

**Flu Activity Wanes Nationally, But Pediatric Hospitalizations See Troubling Rise**

WASHINGTON D.C. – Flu activity across the United States has continued its downward trend for the second consecutive week, offering a cautious sigh of relief for healthcare systems that have been under strain for months. However, the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals a concerning uptick in pediatric hospitalizations, signaling that the season is far from over, especially for the youngest population.

For the week ending March 2nd, the CDC’s “FluView” report indicated that 21 states and New York City were experiencing “high or very high” flu activity. This marks a noticeable drop from the 28 states and New York City recorded just a week prior, ending February 24th, suggesting a broader decline in severity ratings across many regions.

Despite the overall positive trajectory, significant hot spots persist. Ten states continue to battle “very high” levels of flu activity, including California, Georgia, Illinois, Mississippi, New Mexico, New York (excluding NYC), North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, and Virginia. An additional 11 states—Alabama, Arizona, Delaware, Florida, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Washington—along with New York City, reported “high” activity levels.

Hospitalization rates present a mixed picture. While older adults (65 and older) and individuals aged 50-64 have seen decreasing rates of flu-related hospital admissions, pediatric hospitalizations showed an increase for children aged 0-4 and 5-17 during the most recent reporting week. Overall, approximately 18,000 people were hospitalized with the flu in the last week, down from around 25,000 the week before. The cumulative total for flu hospitalizations this season stands at an estimated 310,000.

Tragically, the season has claimed the lives of 104 children as of March 2nd. The rise in pediatric hospitalizations underscores the continued vulnerability of younger age groups.

“While it’s encouraging to see the national flu numbers trending down, the increase in hospitalizations among children is a stark reminder that the flu remains a serious threat,” stated Dr. Lena Khan, a senior epidemiologist at the CDC, in a press briefing Tuesday. “We are seeing a shift in dominant strains, and children are often more susceptible to new circulating viruses or those they haven’t encountered before.”

The current flu season, which began earlier than usual in late fall, has primarily been driven by influenza A strains, specifically H1N1 and H3N2. However, health officials are now noting a distinct increase in influenza B strains, particularly among children, which may be contributing to the rise in pediatric cases.

Vaccination remains a critical defense. Studies have consistently shown that this season’s flu vaccine offers a 40-70% reduction in the risk of illness from both influenza A and B strains. Health officials continue to urge anyone who hasn’t been vaccinated to do so, emphasizing that it’s never too late to gain protection.

“Even as we head into spring, the flu can still pose a significant risk,” cautioned Sarah Miller, Director of the [Your Local Health Department Name] Health Department. “For our community, it’s crucial to remain vigilant. Continue practicing good hand hygiene, staying home when sick, and covering coughs and sneezes. If you or your child develop flu symptoms, especially high fever or difficulty breathing, seek medical attention promptly.”

The current season’s trajectory is considered more typical compared to the unusually high co-circulation of RSV, flu, and COVID-19 seen in the previous year, which strained healthcare resources significantly. Estimated deaths for the entire season range from 19,000 to 47,000 so far.

For more detailed information on flu activity, vaccination recommendations, and preventive measures, the public is encouraged to visit the CDC’s official website at www.cdc.gov/flu.