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South Dakota Flu Season Sees Fewer Deaths and Hospitalizations Than Recent Years

Sick person in bed with tissues and medicine, using tissue on nose. Blue bedding, South Dakota Department of Health logo, Northeast Radio SD badge.

Northeast Radio SD News – South Dakota - South Dakota’s 2025–2026 influenza season resulted in fewer deaths and hospitalizations than many recent flu seasons, according to data released this week by the South Dakota Department of Health.

As of April 15, the state recorded 25 flu-related deaths and 905 hospitalizations during the current season. A total of 16,670 laboratory-confirmed influenza cases were reported statewide.


Health officials say the dominant strains this season were Influenza A (H3N2) and Influenza B Victoria. Flu activity peaked during the second week of February.


By comparison, the 2024–2025 flu season was more severe, resulting in 65 deaths, 1,547 hospitalizations, and 21,860 confirmed cases statewide. That season was dominated by Influenza A (H1N1) and peaked during the first week of February.

Earlier seasons also show year-to-year variation. During the 2023–2024 flu season, South Dakota recorded 46 deaths and 856 hospitalizations, while the 2022–2023 season resulted in 35 deaths and 727 hospitalizations.


According to state data, South Dakota has averaged 40 flu-related deaths, 690 hospitalizations, and more than 12,500 confirmed cases per season between 2017 and 2025. Historically, flu activity in the state peaks in early February.


The Department of Health continues to monitor influenza activity and encourages healthcare providers to report confirmed cases, hospitalizations, and deaths.


Information on what is reportable in South Dakota is available at:https://doh.sd.gov/diseases/infectious/reporting.aspx

Current influenza activity can be viewed through the South Dakota Influenza Dashboard at:https://doh.sd.gov/health-data-reports/data-dashboards/influenza-dashboard/

Case summary dashboard shows 210 new cases, 7 hospitalizations, 3 deaths. Total cases 17,760. Local spread, low influenza activity.

National influenza trends are available through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s FluView summary at:https://www.cdc.gov/fluview/


The CDC also provides guidance on seasonal influenza prevention, vaccination, and antiviral medications at the following links:


·         Seasonal influenza overview:https://www.cdc.gov/flu/season/faq-flu-season-2023-2024.htm

·         Influenza antiviral treatment guidance:https://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/antivirals/summary-clinicians.htm

·         Influenza vaccination information:https://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/vaccination/index.htm

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