US Flu Season Eases After Two Weeks of Decline

The U.S. flu season showed signs of easing on Friday as federal health officials reported two consecutive weeks of declining activity nationwide. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released data covering the week ending January 6 that indicated a sharp reduction in flu-related hospitalizations and a notable decrease in doctor visits for flu-like symptoms.

According to the CDC, the number of states experiencing high or very high flu activity dropped from 44 to 36, reflecting a broader slowdown in the virus's spread. Hospital admissions for influenza fell significantly, while outpatient visits for respiratory illness consistent with flu declined by a smaller but still meaningful margin. Officials described the overall respiratory virus season, which includes influenza, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, as moderate. Unlike previous winters, there have been no major upticks in COVID-19 or RSV cases during this period.

Despite the positive trends, experts cautioned that the season remains active and could extend further. Influenza patterns often include secondary waves following winter holidays, when travel and gatherings resume. "We've had other seasons...