U.S. Flu Activity Intensifies, Marked by Rising Hospitalizations and Deaths
ATLANTA, January 17, 2026 – Influenza activity remains elevated and continues to increase across the United States, according to the latest surveillance report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The most recent data shows a concerning uptick in hospitalizations, mortality, and the circulation of a dominant strain that may be partially mismatched with this season’s vaccine.
National Surveillance Snapshot
The CDC’s FluView report for Week 52, ending December 27, 2025, indicates that 0.9% of all deaths in the U.S. were due to influenza, a significant increase from 0.5% the prior week. The weekly influenza-associated hospitalization rate rose to 8.4 per 100,000 population, up from 7.6 per 100,000. A total of 9,809 laboratory-confirmed influenza-associated hospitalizations have been reported since the season began on October 1.
Key Facts & State-Level Reports
| Metric | Data |
|---|---|
| Dominant Virus | Influenza A(H3N2), with subclade “K” representing over 90% of characterized A(H3N2) viruses. |
| Pediatric Deaths (CDC Cumulative) | Nine influenza-associated pediatric deaths reported for the 2025-2026 season. |
| North Carolina Deaths | 134 flu-related deaths this season, including three children, nearly double the count from this time last year. |
| South Carolina | Reported its first pediatric flu-related death of the season on January 7. At least 25 total flu-associated deaths had been reported as of January 3. |
| Minnesota | 48 adult influenza-associated deaths reported as of January 15. |
| Washington State | Benton-Franklin Health District confirmed the first two flu-related deaths of the season in Benton County. |
Public Health Guidance
Health officials from the CDC and state departments uniformly emphasize that vaccination remains the best defense against severe illness, hospitalization, and death. They recommend that everyone six months and older get a flu shot. It takes about two weeks for full protection to develop after vaccination. Additional protective measures include frequent handwashing, staying home when sick, and wearing masks in crowded indoor settings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this year’s flu shot effective against the circulating virus?
While the dominant A(H3N2) subclade K virus shows some antigenic differences from the vaccine strain, public health experts stress that the flu vaccine still offers important protection against serious complications, hospitalization, and death. Vaccination is strongly recommended.
Who is most at risk for severe flu illness?
Individuals at higher risk include children under 5 (especially under 2), adults 65 and older, pregnant women, and people with chronic health conditions like asthma, diabetes, or heart and lung disease.
What are the symptoms, and when should I seek care?
Flu symptoms often include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, and fatigue. Seek medical attention if you experience difficulty breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, confusion, or if symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough.