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CDC Conceals Alarming Flu Rise In 35 States

Flu shot reminders continue to pop up because we’re still in the midst of flu season. Recent data from the CDC, released on Friday, January 24, shows a 25% increase in positive influenza tests during the week of January 18. Emergency room visits due to flu are also at “very high” levels, and influenza A is on the rise in wastewater samples across the U.S.

However, this data differs from the usual detailed FluView reports the CDC typically provides. Normally, these weekly reports offer insights into the types of flu virus circulating, hospitalization rates, mortality stats, and state-specific cases. The most recent FluView covered the week ending January 11, 2025. Since then, the Trump administration has paused scientific communications from federal health agencies until February 1, causing the CDC to share this flu data through its “Respiratory Virus Activity Levels” report, which also includes updates on COVID-19, RSV, and other respiratory illnesses.

Experts are concerned about the lack of detailed, strain-specific data. Dr. Aaron Glatt, chief of infectious diseases at Mount Sinai South Nassau in New York, emphasized that specific data helps hospitals and healthcare providers prepare resources. Without it, they face greater uncertainty when making decisions. While one missing data point may not be disastrous, Glatt warns that this situation could become problematic if the detailed reporting isn’t resumed.

As of January 18, wastewater samples have shown “very high” levels of influenza A in states including Arizona, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, and others, with “high” levels detected in places like Alabama, California, and Ohio. In total, 35 states are reporting elevated levels of influenza A. The CDC notes that wastewater data can’t determine the specific source of the virus or differentiate between human and animal infections.

For now, experts advise that it’s still important to get vaccinated against the flu, especially with the ongoing spread. According to CDC data from January 4, about 43% of U.S. adults and children had received the influenza vaccine.