204 Influenza-related Pediatric Fatalities This Flu Season

While influenza activity continued to decline across the United States, flu-related fatalities among children increased, now totaling 204 for the 2024-2025 flu season.

This data exceeds the fatality total for each of the last two flu seasons.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Influenza Surveillance Report: Key Updates for Week 16, reported on April 25, 2025, that this flu season is classified as a high severity season overall and for all age groups (children, adults, older adults) and is the first high severity season since 2017-2018.

According to the National Center for Health Statistics Mortality Surveillance data, 0.3% of the deaths that occurred during the week ending April 19, 2025 (Week 16), were due to influenza.

This percentage decreased by 0.1% or more compared to Week 15.

The CDC continues to recommend that everyone aged six months and older receive an annual flu vaccine as long as influenza viruses are circulating. As of late April, various flu shots are available at community pharmacies throughout the United States.

Furthermore, suppose your summer vacation plans for 2025 include a trip to the Southern Hemisphere, where the flu season is in full swing. In that case, your pharmacist may recommend an additional flu shot for protection.