Flu deaths are rising slower than during the last three seasons, preliminary data from the CDC suggests.
The percentage of deaths due to flu or pneumonia was 6.9% in the week ending Dec. 2, data shows. This figure has been increasing since early November but is lower than the same period during the previous three flu seasons. The total number of flu deaths for the week (56) is also down significantly from this time last year (851), when the U.S. saw flu peak unseasonably early.
In total, the CDC estimates there have been 1,600 to 4,600 flu deaths nationwide this season, which began Oct. 1.
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 48 (ending Dec. 2) |
||
|
2023-2024 |
6.9 |
56 |
1,600 to 4,600 (as of Dec. 2) |
|
2022-2023* |
8.4 |
851 |
21,000 |
|
2021-2022* |
11.9 |
37 |
4,900 |
|
2020-2021 |
14.3 |
27 |
N/A |
|
2019-2020 |
5.5 |
66 |
24,000 |
|
2018-2019 |
6 |
38 |
27,000 |
|
2017-2018 |
6.5 |
83 |
52,000 |
|
2016-2017 |
6.5 |
34 |
38,000 |
*Estimates for these seasons are preliminary.