This CDC page indicates:
- A negligible number of influenza deaths in 2020 and 2021,
- The number of deaths attributed to COVID-19 fell below the epidemic threshold in Weeks 9-29 of 2021, and
- The number of COVID-19 deaths has remained below the epidemic threshold since Week 10 of 2022.
To view the chart below:
- At the top of the page, select Pneumonia, Influenza, and COVID-19 (PIC).
- From the time menu for the chart, select 2020-25.
“Disclaimer
National Center for Health Statistics Mortality Surveillance System
The National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) collects and disseminates the Nation’s official vital statistics. NCHS collects death certificate data from state vital statistics offices for all deaths occurring in the United States. Influenza deaths, pneumonia and/or influenza (P&I) deaths, and pneumonia, influenza and/or COVID-19 (PIC) deaths are identified based on ICD [International Classification of Diseases]-10 multiple cause of death codes...
The PIC and P&I percentages will continue to be shared on FluView Interactive. These percentages are compared to a seasonal baseline of P&I deaths that is calculated using a periodic regression model that incorporates a robust regression procedure applied to data from the four years prior to the COVID-19 pandemic (2015 week 10 through 2020 week 9) and the 2022-2023 influenza season. An increase of 1.645 standard deviations above the seasonal baseline of P&I deaths is considered the 'epidemic threshold,' i.e., the point at which the observed proportion of deaths is significantly higher than would be expected at that time of the year in the absence of substantial influenza and COVID-related mortality. Baselines and thresholds are calculated at the national and regional level and by age groups.”
