Three Influenza-Associated Pediatric Fatalities Reported in December 2025

Influenza activity in the United States has recently spiked across the country, with 17 jurisdictions now reporting high or very high influenza-like illness (ILI) activity. This news comes as Americans prepare for holiday gatherings, a period when flu transmission often peaks.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) week #50 FluView surveillance report, this indicator and others signal the earnest start of the 2025-2026 flu season.

The CDC also reported on December 19, 2025, three influenza-associated pediatric deaths this season, bringing the total to three.

This data is actually encouraging when compared to the 2024-2025 flu season, when 288 influenza-associated pediatric deaths were confirmed.

The CDC wrote 'the public is urged to take preventive actions, including vaccination, frequent handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home when sick. There are prescription flu antiviral drugs that can treat ILI; those should be started as early as possible and are especially important for patients at higher risk for flu-related complications.'

For more information, visit the CDC FluView report at www.cdc.gov/flu/weekly.