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U.S. flu hospitalization rate highest for this point of year since 2010

ABC News reports that CDC data shows flu hospitalizations are highest for this time since 2010, while remaining states report low or minimal activity.

Updated Oct 23, 2026 · 22:24 UTC1 reports

The short version

  • The CDC reports the U.S. flu hospitalization rate is highest for this time of year since the 2010 season.[ABC News]
  • Positive tests, ER visits, and hospitalizations have risen since late August and early September, with adults over 65 showing the highest hospitalization rates.[ABC News]
  • Louisiana and Hawaii report moderate flu activity, while other states report low or minimal activity.[ABC News]
  • Walgreens data suggests activity is about four weeks ahead of recent seasons, and the CDC says it is too early to judge vaccine implications.[ABC News]

Key facts

  • The CDC reports the U.S. flu hospitalization rate is highest for this time of year since the 2010 season, based on an update published Friday.[ABC News]
  • Positive flu tests, ER visits, and hospitalizations have been increasing since late August and early September, according to CDC data.[ABC News]
  • Adults above age 65 have the highest hospitalization rate, followed by adults ages 50-64 and children ages 0-4.[ABC News]
  • Louisiana and Hawaii report moderate flu activity, while the remaining states report low or minimal activity.[ABC News]
  • Walgreens data suggests flu activity is tracking about four weeks ahead of recent flu seasons.[ABC News]
  • The CDC says it is too early to know what viruses may predominate or whether there might be implications for flu vaccine effectiveness this season.[ABC News]

What remains uncertain

  • The CDC says it is too early to know which viruses may predominate or whether there might be implications for vaccine effectiveness this season.[ABC News]
  • The four-week lead in activity comes from Walgreens data, which the reporting says suggests the trend rather than confirming it.[ABC News]

Sources

Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.