The flu has killed 16,000 people this season. These are the states with the worst outbreaks

Currently, America is experiencing its worst flu season since 2009, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). As a matter of fact, the CDC says there are so many cases that this season is now classified as being “high severity” for all age groups. That’s the first time a flu season has acquired that designation since the 2017–18 season.

Still, some states are faring better than others. Here’s what you need to know about the current 2024–25 flu season and where outbreaks are the worst.

16,000 dead from flu so far

The 2024–25 influenza season is having a significant impact on the health and well-being of Americans. According to the CDC’s latest US Influenza Surveillance Report for the week ending February 8, 2025, the flu this season has accounted for:

• 29 million illnesses
• 370,000 hospitalizations
• 16,000 deaths

The CDC’s report also reveals that during the most recent week, 31.6% of people tested came back positive for influenza, and 50,382 people were hospitalized for the illness in the most recent week alone.

The flu has historically been particularly dangerous to the elderly, but sadly, this season, the illness is also hitting infants and children hard. The CDC says that in the past week alone, there were 11 influenza-associated pediatric deaths, bringing the total number of pediatric deaths for the season to 68.

“Based on data available this week, this season is now classified as a high severity season overall and for all age groups (children, adults, older adults) for the first time since 2017–2018,” the CDC says.

What states are being hit hard the worst?

While respiratory illnesses seem to be running roughshod across the country, some states have it worse than others. The CDC’s Outpatient Respiratory Illness Activity Map classifies respiratory illness rates into five categories: very-high, high, moderate, low, and minimal.

• 36 states and the District of Columbia are currently listed in the “very-high” category, including: Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.
• Nine states are classified in the “high” category: Arizona, Delaware, Florida, Minnesota, Nevada, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, West Virginia, and Wyoming.
• Two states are classified in the “moderate” category: North Dakota and Utah.
• One state is classified in the “low” category: Alaska.
• And two states are classified in the “minimal” category: Hawaii and Montana.

How can I protect myself against the flu?

It’s impossible to fully protect yourself from the flu. However, the CDC says the best way you can protect yourself is by getting the flu vaccine.

“Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine every season, especially people at higher risk,” the agency notes.

Other steps you can take to decrease your likelihood of getting the flu are to avoid those who are sick with the illness and to wash your hands. You can check out the CDC’s full list of recommendations here.