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Ask the Experts: Influenza: Disease Issues

Results (5)

Seasonal influenza epidemics occur predictably each winter, although their timing and severity varies unpredictably. From 2010–11 through 2024–25, CDC estimates that influenza caused 9.4–51 million illnesses, 120,000–710,000 hospitalizations, and 6,300–52,000 deaths annually. CDC’s preliminary estimate for the 2025–26 season was at least 32 million illnesses, 390,000 hospitalizations, and 24,000 deaths in the United States. CDC classified the season as moderate severity overall and high severity among children. As of September 11, 2026, CDC had received reports of 192 influenza-associated pediatric deaths for 2025–26. For more about the burden of influenza, see www.cdc.gov/flu-burden/, and visit CDC’s FluView (www.cdc.gov/fluview/index.html) for weekly updates on influenza activity.

The risks for influenza-related complications, hospitalization, and death are highest among adults age 65 years and older. CDC estimates that adults age 65 and older accounted for 57% of influenza-related hospitalizations during the 2024–25 season. CDC’s final 2024–25 vaccination coverage estimates were 63.8% among adults age 65 years and older, 41.9% among all adults, and 50.2% among children. In the 2023–24 season (the most recent season with an estimate), 20% of hospitalizations and deaths occurred among people age 50 through 64, and vaccination rates in this age group were substantially lower than those age 65 and older. See www.cdc.gov/flu/whats-new/2025-2026-influenza-activity.html and www.cdc.gov/fluvaxview/coverage-by-season/2024-2025.html.

CDC recommends annual influenza vaccination for everyone age 6 months and older who does not have a contraindication as the best way to reduce influenza illness and its potentially serious complications.

Last reviewed: October 11, 2026


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Last reviewed: January 9, 2026

While even healthy children and adults get severe influenza and die from influenza and its complications, the risk of severe influenza is higher for children younger than 5 years, adults 50 years and older, pregnant people, Alaska Natives and American Indians, and residents of nursing homes or other long-term care facilities. Medical conditions that increase a person’s risk of severe influenza include chronic pulmonary (including asthma), cardiovascular (excluding isolated hypertension), renal, hepatic, neurologic, hematologic, or metabolic disorders (including diabetes mellitus); immunocompromising conditions due to any cause (including, but not limited to, immune suppression caused by medications or HIV); extreme obesity (body mass index of 40 or greater for adults); and the chronic use of aspirin- or salicylate-containing medications in children through age 18 (due to the risk of Reye syndrome after influenza infection).

More information about risk factors for severe influenza infection can be found at: www.cdc.gov/flu/highrisk/index.htm.

Last reviewed: October 11, 2026

The timing and severity of influenza seasons are unpredictable. Generally, the season falls between October and March, with peak activity most often occurring in January or February in the continental United States. Current information on influenza virus circulation is updated weekly by CDC and available at www.cdc.gov/fluview/.

Last reviewed: October 11, 2026

Information regarding influenza surveillance is available year-round from CDC. For an overview and link to CDC’s influenza surveillance systems, visit www.cdc.gov/fluview/. CDC publishes updated information weekly. In addition, periodic updates about influenza are published in MMWR. CDC also publishes respiratory virus surveillance information that integrates influenza, COVID-19 and RSV on the Respiratory Illness Data Channel at www.cdc.gov/respiratory-viruses/data/index.html.

State and local health departments should be consulted regarding local access to public health influenza vaccination programs and information about state or local influenza activity. Contact state or local health officials to report influenza outbreaks and for guidance in outbreak response.

Last reviewed: October 11, 2026

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