The cumulative flu hospitalization rate has climbed to the highest level for this point in the season in more than 15 years, according to CDC data.
For the week ending Oct. 17, the cumulative flu hospitalization rate was 2.1 per 100,000 population — more than 10 times the rate seen during the same period last season. This marks the highest rate for this point in the season since at least the 2010-11 season, followed by the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons, historical CDC data shows.
The hospitalization rate comes as the U.S. sees an unusually early start to flu season, which researchers have linked to a single mutation in the circulating H1N1 influenza virus that may help it evade some pre-existing immunity.
Here’s how current hospitalization figures compare to those from past flu seasons, based on data from the CDC.
Note: Total estimated hospitalizations were not available for the 2020-21 season due to minimal flu activity amid the pandemic, the CDC said. The agency has not yet provided a cumulative estimate for the current season.
| Season | Cumulative hospitalization rate per 100,000 (Week 41) | Total estimated hospitalizations for the season |
| 2026-27* | 2.1 | N/A |
| 2025-26* | 0.2 | 390,000 to 800,000 |
| 2024-25* | 0.2 | 710,000 |
| 2023-24* | 0.4 | 430,000 |
| 2022-23* | 1 | 340,000 |
| 2021-22 | 0.1 | 120,000 |
| 2020-21 | 0 | N/A |
| 2019-20 | 0.2 | 380,000 |
| 2018-19 | 0.2 | 400,000 |
| 2017-18 | 0.2 | 710,000 |
| 2016-17 | 0.2 | 500,000 |
| 2015-16 | 0.2 | 280,000 |
| 2014-15 | 0.2 | 590,000 |
| 2013-14 | 0.1 | 350,000 |
| 2012-13 | 0.1 | 580,000 |
| 2011-12 | 0 | 140,000 |
| 2010-11 | 0.1 | 310,000 |
*Estimates for these flu seasons are preliminary.
See how flu cases compare to past seasons here.
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