Flu Outpaces COVID-19 in Weekly Mortality Rates
For the first time since the pandemic began, influenza-related deaths have exceeded those caused by COVID-19 fatalities in the United States. According to data released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 1.7% of all deaths nationwide in the week ending January 25 were attributed to the flu, while COVID-19 accounted for about 1.5% of fatalities. This shift highlights the impact of an intense flu season, as influenza hospitalizations have surged to over three times the rate of COVID-19 admissions.
Preliminary CDC figures indicate that flu deaths may have reached 2% of all reported fatalities for the week ending February 1, with COVID-19 deaths remaining at approximately 1.5%. The official data is expected to be updated later this week. Health officials are closely monitoring these trends, particularly in states where influenza has been the dominant cause of mortality for the first five weeks of 2025. California, Hawaii, Washington, Oregon, and Wyoming are among the states seeing flu-related deaths at double the rate of COVID-19 fatalities.
COVID-19 fatalities Record-Breaking Flu Season Raises Concerns
CDC estimates suggest that between 13,000 and 65,000 flu-related deaths have occurred so far this season—already surpassing last year’s total influenza fatalities. In contrast, COVID-19 deaths this winter have ranged between 18,000 and 31,000. The milder impact of COVID-19 this season can be attributed to the absence of a new highly mutated variant and increased vaccination rates among older adults, who are most at risk for severe illness. Unlike previous years, emergency room visits and hospitalizations due to COVID-19 fatalities have been significantly lower.
Meanwhile, influenza cases have soared, reaching some of the highest levels recorded since the 2009 swine flu pandemic. As of last Friday, the CDC classified flu activity as “very high” in 33 states and the District of Columbia. Experts point to lagging vaccination rates as a contributing factor to the spread of the virus. In particular, flu vaccination rates among children have dropped to below 45%, a notable decline from the 58% recorded at the same time in 2020.
Health Officials Urge Immediate Vaccination
With flu activity continuing to rise across the country, health officials are urging Americans to take preventive measures. “Anyone who has not been vaccinated for flu this season should get vaccinated immediately,” CDC spokesperson Paul Prince emphasized in a statement on February 10. He added that flu activity is expected to remain elevated as the season progresses.
Several factors influence flu outbreaks, including the specific virus strains in circulation and levels of immunity from previous infections and vaccinations. While seasonal flu trends can vary, experts stress that vaccination remains the best defense against severe illness and death.
As flu cases continue to climb and outpace COVID-19 fatalities, health officials remain focused on promoting preventive strategies to curb the spread of the virus and minimize its impact in the weeks ahead.
