The United States is experiencing a severe flu surge this winter season, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimating at least 7.5 million illnesses, 81,000 hospitalizations, and 3,100 deaths from influenza so far in the 2025-2026 season.
In a troubling development, hospitalizations nearly doubled in a single week, rising to 19,053 from 9,944 the week prior, according to the latest CDC data. The agency reports that flu activity has reached "high" or "very high" levels in 32 states and jurisdictions, up dramatically from 17 states just one week earlier.
The dominant strain this season is Influenza A(H3N2), which some health experts have nicknamed the "super flu" due to its aggressive spread. Concerning mutations in the new variant have resulted in a mismatch with this season's flu vaccine composition, potentially reducing the vaccine's effectiveness. However, health officials emphasize that vaccination still provides significant protection against severe illness, hospitalization, and death.
The pediatric toll has been particularly alarming, with eight child deaths reported so far this season, including five in the most recent reporting week alone. The CDC estimates that influenza infections are currently growing or likely growing in 29 states.
Vaccination rates have lagged behind previous years, with only about 42% of adults and children receiving the flu shot this season compared to over 143 million doses distributed at the same time last year. Nearly 130 million doses have been distributed so far.
Doctors expect flu cases to continue rising for at least the next several weeks, with the outbreak not expected to level off until late January or possibly February. The surge coincides with holiday travel and gatherings, which have accelerated transmission across the country.
Health officials are urging Americans who have not yet been vaccinated to get their flu shots immediately, while also recommending basic preventive measures such as frequent handwashing, staying home when sick, and wearing masks in crowded indoor spaces.
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