In the week ending Feb. 1, about 7.8% of outpatient visits were for respiratory illness — up from 4.4% during the same week last season. This marks the highest weekly rate since October 2010, when it reached 7.7% during the swine flu pandemic, CDC data shows.
As of Feb. 10, the CDC estimates there have been 24 million to 41 million flu cases nationwide this season, with 11 million to 18 million medical visits for the virus.
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 5 (ending Feb. 1) |
|
|
2024-25 |
7.8 |
24 million to 41 million (as of Feb. 1) |
|
2023-24* |
4.4 |
40 million |
|
2022-23* |
2.6 |
31 million |
|
2021-22* |
1.7 |
11 million |
|
2020-21 |
1 |
N/A |
|
2019-20 |
6.7 |
34 million |
|
2018-19 |
4.9 |
29 million |
|
2017-18 |
7.5 |
40 million |
|
2016-17 |
4.5 |
29 million |
|
2015-16 |
2.4 |
24 million |
|
2014-15 |
3.6 |
30 million |
|
2013-14 |
3.1 |
30 million |
|
2012-13 |
3.3 |
34 million |
|
2011-12 |
1.9 |
9.3 million |
|
2010-11 |
4.6 |
21 million |
*Estimates for these seasons are preliminary.
See how flu admissions compared to past seasons here and how flu deaths compare here.
