CDC Warns of Second Flu Peak as 52 Children Die
CDC data show 52 pediatric deaths and at least 20 million illnesses this season, with upticks in cases for the week ending Jan. 24, 2025.
Overview
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported a renewed rise in influenza activity and said 52 children have died this season, with surveillance showing upticks for the week ending Jan. 24, 2025.
The resurgence follows an initial peak around the New Year and comes while the CDC estimates at least 20 million illnesses, 270,000 hospitalizations and 11,000 deaths this season, according to CDC estimates.
Johns Hopkins epidemiologist Caitlin Rivers wrote in her "Force of Infection" newsletter on Jan. 30, 2025 that "we are heading up a second peak of flu season," and Families Fighting Flu executive director Michele Slafkosky said the group is "absolutely bracing ourselves."
Children under 18 had the highest peak weekly hospitalization rate since the 2010-2011 season, and as of Jan. 17, 2025 only 45.1% of children 6 months to 17 years had received the flu shot, CDC data show.
Public health experts and clinicians urged vaccination and early antiviral treatment, noting antivirals work best when started within two days of symptoms and warning the season may persist as influenza B increases, according to agency surveillance and clinicians.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the story as a public-health consequence of falling vaccination rates by foregrounding CDC statistics (52 pediatric deaths, 90% unvaccinated), noting the recent policy change on childhood flu shots, and privileging an advocacy group's urgent call to vaccinate. Editorial choices link declining uptake to worse outcomes through source selection and emphasis.
Sources (3)
FAQ
As of Week 1 (ending January 4, 2026), 32 influenza-associated pediatric deaths have been reported to the CDC.
The article reports at least 20 million illnesses, 270,000 hospitalizations, and 11,000 deaths; earlier CDC data from Week 1 shows 17,579 laboratory-confirmed hospitalizations through January 10, 2026.
As of January 17, 2025, only 45.1% of children aged 6 months to 17 years had received the flu shot.
Influenza A viruses dominate, comprising 94.2% of positive specimens cumulatively, with subtypes including A(H1N1)pdm09 and A(H3N2); Influenza B is increasing at 5.8%.
Experts urge vaccination and early antiviral treatment, which works best within two days of symptoms, amid rising influenza B.
History
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