Flu activity is rising sharply across the United States as the country moves deeper into the winter season, prompting growing concern among health officials and medical professionals. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that influenza cases, hospitalizations, and related deaths have increased steadily over the past several weeks, with many states now experiencing high or very high levels of flu activity. Emergency rooms and urgent care centers in several regions are seeing an influx of patients suffering from fever, cough, body aches, fatigue, and other flu-related symptoms.
Public health experts estimate that millions of Americans have already been infected during the 2025–2026 flu season, with tens of thousands requiring hospitalization. Children, older adults, pregnant individuals, and people with underlying health conditions remain the most vulnerable to severe illness. Pediatric hospitals in some states have reported rising admissions, and several flu-related child deaths have been confirmed nationwide, underscoring the seriousness of the outbreak.
This season’s surge is being driven largely by a dominant strain of Influenza A, which spreads efficiently and has been linked to more severe symptoms in certain populations. Increased holiday travel, crowded indoor gatherings, and colder weather have all contributed to faster transmission. Health officials note that many people resumed normal activities during the holidays while unknowingly contagious, allowing the virus to move quickly through schools, workplaces, and households.
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