Is the Flu Season Increasing or Decreasing

The World Health Organization (WHO) Influenza Update N° 437 report recently confirmed influenza activity decreased globally but remained somewhat elevated due to activity in the northern hemisphere.

In the countries of North America, most indicators of influenza activity decreased to levels similar to or below levels typically observed this time of year.

Influenza A(H3N2) was the predominant virus detected.

In Europe, overall influenza activity decreased.

Many European countries reported high or very high intensity, and more than half reported widespread activity. And various indicators of influenza activity decreased in many countries while others reported increases.

Overall, influenza A viruses predominated with similar proportions of A(H1N1)pdm09 and A(H3N2) influenza viruses detected in primary care sentinel sites but with regional differences.

The full, unedited WHO January 23, 2023 report is posted at this WHO link.

On January 20, 2023, the U.S. CDC FluView week #2 report confirmed seasonal influenza activity was declining in most areas. 

Three regions in the U.S. were below their outpatient respiratory illness baselines for the first time since October 2022.

In the U.S., over 170 million influenza vaccines have been distributed during the 2022-2023 flu season. These flu shots remain generally available at most clinics and pharmacies in the U.S.