Flu Cases Compared to Past Seasons – Becker’s Hospital Review
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Flu Cases Surge Globally, Driven by New H3N2 Strain
A meaningful surge in influenza cases is being reported worldwide, prompting health officials to issue warnings, particularly in the United States. A World Health Association (WHO) report released December 19, 2023, identifies a mutated strain of influenza A, specifically H3N2 subclade K, as the primary driver of this increase. becker’s Hospital Review details the severity of outbreaks globally.
Flu Case Comparisons to Past Seasons
The current flu activity is notably higher then in recent years, though comparisons are complex by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides data illustrating these trends.
Note: A total case estimate is not available for the 2020-21 season due to minimal flu activity amid the pandemic, according to the CDC.
| Season | Estimated Illnesses | Estimated Hospitalizations | Estimated Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-24 (Preliminary) | Data not yet available | Data not yet available | Data not yet available |
| 2022-23 | 8.7 million – 14 million | 630,000 – 860,000 | 500 – 5,000 |
| 2021-22 | 12.6 million – 23.2 million | 520,000 – 740,000 | 2,500 – 8,500 |
| 2020-21 | Not available | Not available | Not available |
| 2019-20 | 38 million – 54 million | 400,000 – 740,000 | 24,000 - 62,000 |
*Estimates for these seasons are preliminary, as stated by the CDC.
Further details on flu admission rates compared to previous seasons can be found here.
Understanding the H3N2 Subclade K Strain
The H3N2 subclade K strain is a genetic variant of the influenza A (H