Flu Related Fatalities Increased Last Week

According to new data published today by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), influenza cases, hospitalizations, and deaths accelerated during the last week.

The CDC estimates that there have been at least 490,000 illnesses, 5,300 hospitalizations, and 330 deaths from influenza during the 2023-2024 flu season.

As of November 13, 2023, the CDC's Weekly U.S. Influenza Surveillance Report confirmed seasonal influenza activity increased in most parts of the country, most noticeably in the South Central, Southeast, and West Coast regions.

Additionally, the National Healthcare Safety Network Hospitalization Surveillance report for week #44 shows that 1,962 patients with laboratory-confirmed influenza were admitted to a hospital. The number of patients admitted to a hospital slightly increased compared to week #43.

Furthermore, weekly influenza-related deaths occurred during the following weeks: #44 (21), #43 (32), and #42 (43). 

For the last flu season, the number of flu-related deaths reported by the National Center for Health Statistics totaled 9,697.

And the first influenza-associated pediatric death occurring during the 2023-24 season was recently reported.

A total of 182 influenza-associated pediatric deaths that occurred during the 2022-2023 season have been reported to the CDC.

With the Thanksgiving holiday fast approaching, the CDC's Director, Dr. Mandy Cohen, reminded everyone in a video posted on Facebook to make plans to get vaccinated.

The CDC also confirmed there are ample supplies of various flu shots this season.

As of November 4, 2023, over 147 million doses have been distributed.