Photo from the Centers for Disease Control.
Also see:
-- COVID-19 in Los Angeles County
-- Notifiable Communicable Diseases & Conditions - Los Angeles County
-- When Los Angeles Last Faced a Pandemic.
Los Angeles County New Influenza Cases by 7-Day Period, CURRENT Flu Season 2025-2026
The new flu season began in October. Weeks are Sunday through the following Saturday. Numbers represent positive tests at specified Los Angeles County influenza surveillance labs.
Los Angeles Almanac chart.
Los Angeles County's last flu season (2024-2025) recorded the second highest number of influenza cases in at least 15 years. It also suffered the highest number of influenza-related deaths over the same number of years, including pediatric deaths.
| Flu Season* | Positive Flu Tests† | Influenza-Related Deaths | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Deaths | Pediatric Deaths‡ | ||
| 2025-2026 (through Oct 11, 2025) | 45 | 0 | 0 |
| 2024-2025 | 21,396 | 334 | 9 |
| 2023-2024 | 16,402 | 126 | 5 |
| 2022-2023 | 28,235 | 97 | 4 |
| Flu Season* | Positive Flu Tests† | Influenza-Related Deaths | |
| Total Deaths | Pediatric Deaths‡ | ||
| 2021-2022 | 6,205 | 18 | 0 |
| 2020-2021** | 206 | 16 | 1 |
| 2019-2020 | 15,489 | 210 | 8 |
| 2018-2019 | 6,429 | 125 | 2 |
| Flu Season* | Positive Flu Tests† | Influenza-Related Deaths | |
| Total Deaths | Pediatric Deaths‡ | ||
| 2017-2018 | 12,429 | 289 | 2 |
| 2016-2017 | 6,855 | 77 | 1 |
| 2015-2016 | 6,702 | 70 | 3 |
| 2014-2015 | 5,752 | 54 | 3 |
| Flu Season* | Positive Flu Tests† | Influenza-Related Deaths | |
| Total Deaths | Pediatric Deaths‡ | ||
| 2013-2014 | 3,953 | 105 | 4 |
| 2012-2013 | 3,163 | 69 | 7 |
| 2011-2010 | 1,149 | 21 | 2 |
| 2010-2011 | 2,122 | 34 | 3 |
* Although influenza is detected year-round, according to the Centers for Disease Control, a new "flu season" begins in October and peaks during December through February. Significant activity, however, can last as late as May.
† This number represents only those tested at specified Los Angeles County influenza surveillance labs and whose results were positive.
‡ Ages 0-17
** The dramatic drop-off in reported influenza cases during this period was attributed to widespread public health practices in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, such as requirements for face coverings, social distancing, closures, etc.
Source: Acute Communicable Disease Control, Los Angeles County Department of Public Health
Los Angeles once faced a horrific influenza outbreak.
