Flu deaths are rising slower than during the last two seasons, preliminary data from the CDC suggests.
The percentage of deaths due to flu or pneumonia was 5.9 percent in the week ending Dec. 14. This figure has been increasing since early November but is lower than the same period during the previous eight flu seasons. The total number of flu deaths for the week (53) is also down significantly from this time last year (286).
In total, the CDC estimates there have been 970 to 4,800 flu deaths nationwide this season, covering deaths through Dec. 14.
Here is how current flu death figures compare to past seasons, based on CDC data.
Note: A death estimate is not available for the 2020-21 season due to minimal flu activity amid the pandemic, the CDC said.
|
Season |
Percentage of deaths due to flu or pneumonia in week 50 (ending Dec. 14) |
||
|
2024-2025 |
5.9% |
53 |
970 to 4,800 (as of Dec. 14) |
|
2023-2024* |
7.2 |
286 |
17,000 - 100,000 |
|
2022-2023* |
9 |
1,048 |
21,000 |
|
2021-2022* |
13.2 |
58 |
4,900 |
|
2020-2021 |
16.2 |
29 |
N/A |
|
2019-2020 |
6.2 |
111 |
25,000 |
|
2018-2019 |
6.4 |
51 |
27,000 |
|
2017-2018 |
6.8 |
165 |
51,000 |
|
2016-2017 |
6.8 |
46 |
38,000 |
*Cumulative flu death estimates for these seasons are preliminary.