CDC reports increasing early-season influenza activity and at least 900 deaths nationwide

1. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates at least 1,000,000 illnesses, 16,000 hospitalizations, and 900 deaths from influenza this season.

2. Influenza A(hemagglutinin [HA] 1 neuraminidase 1 [H1N1])pdm09 accounted for 367 of 371 subtyped influenza A viruses reported during the week ending October 24, 2026, according to the CDC.

2MM Brief: The CDC reported that seasonal influenza activity remained low nationally but was increasing in many areas and was higher than typically observed at this time of year during the week ending October 24, 2026. The CDC estimated at least 1,000,000 illnesses, 16,000 hospitalizations, and 900 deaths from influenza so far during the 2026-27 season; all estimates are preliminary. The agency also reported the first influenza-associated pediatric death of the season, noting that pediatric death reports may arrive weeks after cases occur and that counts may increase. Of 466 influenza viruses reported by public health laboratories during Week 42, 456 were influenza A and 10 were influenza B. Among 371 influenza A viruses subtyped that week, 367 (98.9%) were influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 and 4 (1.1%) were A(H3N2). Since Week 21, 82.7% of reported influenza A viruses have been A(H1N1)pdm09, most of them in the D.3.1.1 HA subclade. The CDC said it is too early to determine whether the genetic diversity of circulating viruses will affect vaccine effectiveness. During Week 42, 2.4% of patient visits reported through the U.S. Outpatient Influenza-like Illness (ILI) Surveillance Network were for influenza-like illness, below the national baseline of 2.9%; multiple respiratory viruses were co-circulating. CDC forecasts predicted increases in influenza hospital admissions and the percentage of emergency department visits associated with influenza for the week ending November 14, 2026. The forecast range was 4,800 to 23,200 new hospital admissions and 1% to 4.4% of emergency department visits. The CDC recommended annual influenza vaccination for people aged 6 months and older and said prescription antiviral drugs should be started as early as possible, particularly for patients at higher risk for complications. Eight A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses showed reduced inhibition by oseltamivir; adamantanes were not recommended for influenza treatment or prevention.

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