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Flu Activity Hits Highest Levels in 25 Years Across the US

KVIA•Monday, January 5, 2026 at 7:57 PM•CNN Newsource

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The flu has reached alarming levels in the United States, with nearly all states reporting high or very high activity due to a new strain known as subclade K. According to the CDC, about 8.2% of doctor visits last week were for flu-like symptoms, marking the highest rate since the 1997-98 flu season. The CDC estimates that at least 11 million people have contracted the flu this season, with 120,000 hospitalizations and 5,000 deaths, including nine children. Health officials are urging vaccinations as a critical measure to combat the virus, especially given the decline in vaccination rates among children and adults. The situation is exacerbated by a recent announcement from the Department of Health and Human Services regarding changes to the childhood vaccine schedule, which may hinder access to flu shots.

Key Details: • Flu-like symptoms accounted for 8.2% of doctor visits last week. • At least 11 million flu cases reported this season, with 120,000 hospitalizations. • Nine children have died from influenza this season. • Vaccination rates have dropped to 42% for children and 48 million for adults. • Health officials recommend getting vaccinated against flu and COVID-19.

community health flu cdc vaccination

People & Organizations

CDCAmerican Academy of PediatricsDr. Caitlin RiversDr. Robbie GoldsteinDr. Sean O’LearyJohns Hopkins Center for Health Security

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