The flu season is off to a severe and early start, with outpatient visits for flu-like illness already reaching levels rarely seen this time of year.
As of early October, the rate of outpatient visits for flu-like illness was tracking as the third-highest since 2010. In the week ending Oct. 10, about 2.1% of outpatient visits were for respiratory illness — up from 1.6% during the same week last season, CDC data shows. This marks the third highest weekly rate behind the 2022-23 season (2.5%) and the 2023-24 season (2.4%). The CDC classified both of these seasons as moderately severe.
“Every influenza season is different — some begin earlier than usual, others later. Early-season influenza activity is currently higher than typically observed at this time of year but remains within expected seasonal variation,” the CDC said in its latest Fluview report released Oct. 16.
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. The agency has not yet provided a cumulative estimate for the current season.
| Season | Percentage of outpatient visits for flu-like illness in week 40 (ending Oct. 10) | Estimated total symptomatic illnesses |
| 2026-27* | 2.1% | N/A |
| 2025-26* | 1.6% | 32 million to 57 million |
| 2024-25* | 1.9% | 43 million |
| 2023-24* | 2.4% | 37 million |
| 2022-23 | 2.5% | 29 million |
| 2021-22 | 2% | 11 million |
| 2020-21 | 1.1% | N/A |
| 2019-20 | 1.5% | 34 million |
| 2018-19 | 1.4% | 29 million |
| 2017-18 | 1.3% | 41 million |
| 2016-17 | 1.2% | 29 million |
| 2015-16 | 1.2% | 24 million |
| 2014-15 | 1.2% | 30 million |
| 2013-14 | 1.2% | 30 million |
| 2012-13 | 1.2% | 34 million |
| 2011-12 | 1.2% | 9.4 million |
| 2010-11 | 1.1% | 17 million |
*Estimates for these seasons are preliminary.
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