The flu season is off to a severe and early start, with outpatient visits for flu-like illness already reaching levels rarely seen this time of year. As of mid-December, the rate of outpatient visits for flu-like illness was tracking as the third-highest since 2010. In the week ending Dec. 13, about 4.1% of outpatient visits were for respiratory illness — up from 3.8% during the same week last season, CDC data shows. This marks the third highest weekly rate behind the 2023-24 season (5.2%) and the 2022-23 season (6.3%). The CDC estimates there have been 4.6 million flu cases nationwide this season, with 49,000 hospitalizations and 1,900 deaths, according to the agency’s latest Fluview report released Dec. 19. A mutated strain of influenza A, known as H3N2 subclade K, is believed to be driving the surge. Here’s how current flu case figures compare to past seasons, based on data and estimates from the CDC. Note: A total case estimate is not available for the 2020-21 season due to minimal flu activity amid the pandemic, the CDC said. Season Percentage of outpatient visits for flu-like illness in week 50 (ending Dec. 13) Estimated total symptomatic illnesses 2025-26 4.1% 4.6 million (as of Dec. 13) 2024-25* 3.8% 47 million to 82 million 2023-24* 5.2% 40 million 2022-23* 6.3% 31 million 2021-22* 3.2% 11 million 2020-21 1.5% N/A 2019-20 3.9% 34 million 2018-19 2.6% 29 million 2017-18 3.4% 40 million 2016-17 2.2% 29 million 2015-16 1.9% 24 million 2014-15 3.6% 30 million 2013-14…
