On Jan. 17, 2025, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that eleven pediatric deaths associated with seasonal influenza virus infection were reported this week, bringing the 2024-2025 season total to 27 pediatric deaths.

The CDC estimates that there have been at least 12 million illnesses, 160,000 hospitalizations, and 6,600 deaths from flu so far this season and recommends that everyone ages 6 months and older get an annual influenza (flu) vaccine.

There are prescription flu antiviral drugs that can treat flu illness; those should be started as early as possible and are especially important for patients at higher risk for severe illness.

One confirmed human infection with influenza A(H5) virus was reported to the CDC this week. To date, human-to-human transmission of influenza A(H5) virus has not been identified in the United States.

This case was reported by the California Department of Public Health and occurred in a child less than 18 years old with no known contact with influenza A(H5N1) virus-infected animals or humans. The investigation into the source of infection for this case is ongoing, and no human-to-human transmission has been identified.