Friday, January 2, 2026- Flu activity in the United States and other regions is spiking sharply as the 2025–26 influenza season gains momentum, driven largely by a dominant H3N2 strain of the virus that health experts warn can lead to more severe illness, especially in older adults.
According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), millions of flu‑related illnesses have already been reported, with hospitalizations and deaths climbing — and cases are still rising toward what is typically the peak of the season.
Public health officials note that this particular influenza strain, common in early outbreaks globally, has a pattern of causing more hospitalizations and serious outcomes among people aged 65 and older, who are already at higher risk from respiratory viruses.
Vaccination remains the strongest defense: while this year’s vaccine may not prevent every infection from the circulating strain, it still significantly reduces the risk of severe disease, hospitalization, and death. However, uptake has been lower than ideal, with less than half of the population vaccinated so far.
Authorities are urging everyone — especially older adults, pregnant people, young children, and individuals with chronic health conditions — to get a flu shot now and take preventive measures like frequent hand washing and staying home when sick. Hospitals are already feeling the strain of rising respiratory illness cases, underscoring the urgency of vaccination and early treatment with antiviral medications for those at greatest risk.
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