Flu activity across the United States has surged to its highest level in at least 25 years, alarming public health officials as a fast-spreading influenza strain fuels record numbers of doctor visits nationwide. New data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show widespread transmission, with nearly every state reporting high or very high levels of flu activity.
According to the CDC, visits to healthcare providers for fever, cough and sore throat hallmark symptoms of flu-like illness have climbed to levels not seen since the late 1990s. All but four states are currently experiencing intense flu activity, underscoring the scale of the outbreak and its impact on communities across the country.
Experts describe the 2025–2026 flu season as one of the most severe in decades. “This is definitely a banner year,” said Dr. Caitlin Rivers, an epidemiologist at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security. She noted that the U.S. remains “in the thick of it,” with transmission expected to continue for several weeks.
Health officials say the spike is largely being driven by a newly emerged variant of influenza A (H3N2), known as subclade K. The strain began circulating widely after scientists had already selected the strains used for this season’s flu vaccines. As a result, the vaccine may offer only partial protection against infection, though it still helps reduce severe illness, hospitalization and death.
So far this season, the CDC estimates that influenza has caused approximately 11 million illnesses, 120,000 hospitalizations, and 5,000 deaths nationwide. Particularly concerning to health authorities is the reported death of nine children from flu-related complications, a figure that has heightened concern among pediatric specialists.
Severity and Health System Impact
Outpatient visits for respiratory illness now account for about 8 percent of all doctor visits, the highest proportion recorded in nearly three decades. While flu-related hospital admissions remain below last season’s peak, emergency departments and urgent care centers in many regions report being under strain due to the sheer volume of patients seeking care.
Public Health Response
Officials warn that the flu season has not yet peaked, and additional increases in cases are likely in the coming weeks. Health authorities continue to urge the public to get vaccinated, emphasizing that even a less-than-perfect match can significantly lower the risk of severe outcomes.
Additional recommendations include frequent handwashing, staying home when sick, and seeking medical attention early if symptoms worsen — especially for children, older adults, pregnant people and those with chronic health conditions.
source: CNN
