Flu Season 2026: 115 US Children Die, Flu B Surge Raises Concerns

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that 115 children in the United States have died from influenza this season, with a recent uptick of 14 deaths reported between March 7 and March 14. This marks one of the largest weekly increases in pediatric fatalities since mid-January, raising concerns even as overall flu activity begins to decline nationally.

The CDC has not yet released details regarding the specific states reporting these deaths, nor the ages of the children affected. Although, separate reports indicate recent pediatric flu deaths in Virginia and Massachusetts during the same week. This season’s toll is significantly higher than last year’s, which saw nearly 300 child deaths across the entire 2024-2025 flu season – the worst on record in two decades, excluding the 2009-2010 H1N1 pandemic.

Flu Trends and Strain Variation

While national flu levels are trending downward, six states – Oregon, Idaho, New Mexico, Colorado, Missouri, and Ohio – are currently experiencing high levels of flu activity. This represents a decrease from the dozens of states reporting high activity earlier in the year. The predominant strain circulating this season remains influenza A, though influenza B is becoming more prevalent, particularly later in the season.

The shift towards influenza B is notable because, according to the Cleveland Clinic, it can sometimes cause more severe symptoms in children, including a higher risk of seizures, vomiting, and diarrhea. The Cleveland Clinic details how influenza B infections can also lead to complications like pneumonia, bronchitis, and even neurological issues.

Doctors have also recently reported cases of viral myositis, an intense muscle pain, associated with some influenza B infections, which can temporarily impair a child’s ability to walk.

Understanding Pediatric Flu Severity

The increased severity of influenza in children is a continuing area of public health concern. Data from the CDC’s FluSurv-NET system indicates that the cumulative influenza-associated hospitalization rate is the third highest since 2010-11, with children experiencing the second-highest hospitalization rate for their age group over the same period.

During the 2024-25 influenza season, a total of 280 pediatric deaths were reported, representing a national rate of 3.8 deaths per 1 million children, as detailed in a recent report from the CDC. The CDC report also noted that approximately half of the children who died had underlying medical conditions, and a significant 89% were not fully vaccinated against the flu.

What the Numbers Tell Us

It’s important to contextualize these numbers. While 115 pediatric deaths is a tragic figure, it represents a fraction of the estimated 28 million illnesses, 360,000 hospitalizations, and 22,000 deaths related to flu this season overall. However, the disproportionate impact on children underscores the importance of preventative measures.

Test positivity for flu was 12.7% last week, a decrease from 15.3% the previous week, and 15.8% the week before, according to the CDC. Healthcare visits for respiratory illnesses have also decreased slightly, to 3.3% this week, down from 3.7% the previous week. However, 7,348 people were still hospitalized with the flu last week.

The Role of Vaccination and Antiviral Treatment

The CDC strongly recommends annual influenza vaccination for all individuals aged 6 months and older, with rare exceptions for medical contraindications. Vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent influenza and its complications. The data from the 2024-25 season highlights the protective benefit of vaccination, with the vast majority of children who died from the flu not being fully vaccinated.

Antiviral medications, such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu), can also be effective in treating influenza, particularly when started early in the course of illness. Approximately 40% of the children who died from influenza this season were treated with antiviral medications, suggesting that early diagnosis and treatment can improve outcomes.

Looking Ahead: Ongoing Surveillance and Strain Monitoring

Public health officials continue to closely monitor influenza activity through various surveillance systems, including the CDC’s FluView and FluSurv-NET. These systems track influenza-like illness, laboratory-confirmed cases, hospitalizations, and deaths, providing valuable data for informing public health recommendations, and interventions.

The CDC is also conducting ongoing genetic analysis of influenza viruses to track the evolution of circulating strains. Currently, influenza A(H3N2) remains the predominant strain, with 92.7% of collected virus samples undergoing genetic testing belonging to subclade K. This ongoing surveillance is crucial for ensuring that influenza vaccines remain effective against circulating strains.

As the flu season progresses, it’s essential to stay informed about the latest updates from the CDC and other public health authorities. Individuals experiencing flu-like symptoms should consult with a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment.

You can identify more information on the CDC’s website: Influenza-associated Pediatric Mortality – CDC and CDC FluView.