Flu-related illnesses are experiencing a significant uptick across the United States, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting a concerning rise in both hospitalizations and deaths related to the virus. The CDC noted that in the week ending December 20, there were approximately 19,053 flu-related hospitalizations, nearly double the figure reported the previous week.
As of now, over seven million flu cases have been documented this season, contributing to an estimated 81,000 hospitalizations and approximately 3,100 deaths. The flu activity is categorized as “elevated,” indicating a worrying trend as influenza remains prevalent across various states.
In addition to the rise in hospitalizations, this year has also seen a number of pediatric fatalities. Five influenza-related pediatric deaths were reported in the second-to-last week of 2025, increasing the total for the 2025-2026 flu season to eight.
The current surge in flu cases is largely attributed to a variant of Influenza A (H3N2), specifically the “subclade K.” This variant was first identified in Australia earlier in the year and has since spread widely. Virologists, including Andrew Pekosz from Johns Hopkins, caution that such surges often follow the detection of this virus. Pekosz noted that while the timing of this flu season mirrors typical patterns, the speed at which cases are increasing is unusual for this time of year, raising concerns among medical professionals.
Virologist Florian Krammer from the Icahn School of Medicine explained that, although this variant may not be inherently more severe than past strains, the public’s immunity to it appears weaker, potentially leading to higher susceptibility.
Despite the uncertainty, health experts emphasize the importance of getting vaccinated. Although this season’s flu vaccine was developed prior to the identification of the new variant, preliminary data from the U.K. suggests that it remains effective. However, a concerning statistic shows that as of mid-December, only 42.2% of Americans reported receiving their flu shot, indicating a need for increased vaccination efforts. The CDC reassures the public that it is not too late to get vaccinated, encouraging anyone who hasn’t done so to consider getting the flu vaccine to help protect themselves and their community.
This ongoing flu season underscores the critical importance of vaccinations and public health awareness in combating the virus effectively.