States in the South and along the West Coast are seeing particularly high flu activity.

Summary

Flu season is intensifying after a late start, with a 12% increase in positive tests and over 12,000 hospitalizations in the week ending December 21, according to the CDC.

So far, there have been 3.1 million flu illnesses, 37,000 hospitalizations, and 1,500 deaths, including nine pediatric fatalities. Activity is highest in the South and West Coast, with severe cases reported across all age groups.

Experts urge vaccination, noting flu shots reduce severe outcomes and have historically prevented millions of cases and deaths annually.

It’s not too late to get a flu shot.