CDC labels 2025–26 U.S. flu season ‘moderately severe’ as estimated illnesses hit 11 million
U.S. CDC data shows influenza activity elevated, prompting the agency to classify the season as moderately severe, with millions ill and hospitalizations and deaths climbing.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has classified the 2025–26 flu season as “moderately severe,” citing elevated activity and a rise in cases in late December.
According to CDC estimates cited by Reuters, the season’s toll had reached at least 11 million illnesses, 120,000 hospitalizations and 5,000 deaths at the time of the report.
Public health experts pointed to factors including holiday travel and low vaccination uptake as contributors to the surge, while the CDC warned activity could remain high for weeks.
- CDC classified the season as “moderately severe” for the first time this season.
- Estimated toll cited: at least 11 million illnesses, 120,000 hospitalizations, 5,000 deaths.
- Experts flagged holiday travel and low vaccination as contributing factors.