Flu Surge in the U.S. Raises Concerns Amid Holiday Season

Wed Jan 07 2026 18:55:12 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Health experts report a significant increase in flu infections across the U.S., with predictions pointing to a severe flu season, especially due to a new variant affecting vaccine efficacy.

This holiday season has seen a dramatic rise in flu infections across the United States, prompting health officials to warn citizens of a potentially severe flu season ahead. With 45 states reporting high levels of flu activity, concerns grow over the A H3N2 flu variant, particularly because it shows differences from strains targeted by this year's vaccines. The CDC estimates that millions have contracted the virus already, leading to thousands of hospitalizations and deaths.

NEW YORK (AP) — A significant surge in flu infections has been reported in the U.S. during the holiday season, leading health officials to classify this as a potentially severe flu season that may worsen in the coming weeks.

Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) revealed that flu activity over the Christmas week has already surpassed levels witnessed in last winter's epidemic, which was one of the most severe on record. COVID-19 cases are also on the rise, but flu infections are reported to be more widespread.

Specifically, 45 states are experiencing high or very high flu activity, a marked increase from the 30 states reporting similar levels just a week prior. Public health experts indicate that the rise may be attributed to a particular strain of influenza A, subtype H3N2, which is known for causing higher hospitalization and mortality rates, especially among older adults.

Particularly concerning is the newer subclade K variant of H3N2, affecting over 90% of analyzed infections this season. This variant differs from the strain included in this year's flu vaccine, raising alarm over potential vaccine efficacy.

While flu seasons typically peak in January or February, it's too early to ascertain the full implications of this strain mismatch. Last year, the hospitalization rate during the flu season was the highest seen since the H1N1 pandemic 15 years ago, leading to several tragic pediatric deaths.

So far this season, nine pediatric flu deaths have been recorded, and the percentage of emergency visits related to flu has exceeded previous season highs for children. The CDC estimates around 11 million flu illnesses, 120,000 hospitalizations, and 5,000 deaths have occurred already this season.

The agency strongly recommends that all individuals aged 6 months and older who have not yet been vaccinated receive the flu vaccine as a precautionary measure.