CDC

Influenza A is on the rise

January 2, 2026

• Sustained, elevated influenza activity is being observed across multiple key activity indicators in all areas of the country. Severity indicators remain low, but influenza activity is expected to continue for several weeks.
• Five influenza-associated pediatric deaths were reported to CDC this week, bringing the 2025-2026 season total to eight reported flu-related pediatric deaths.
• CDC estimates that there have been at least 7.5 million illnesses, 81,000 hospitalizations, and 3,100 deaths from flu so far this season.
• CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older who hasn't yet been vaccinated this season get an annual influenza vaccine. Approximately 130 million doses of influenza vaccine have been distributed in the U.S. this season.
• There are prescription flu antiviral drugs that can treat flu illness; those should be started as early as possible and are especially important for patients at higher risk for flu-related complications.

For state-specific influenza tracking, click here.

Source:

(2025, December 30). CDC. Weekly US Influenza Surveillance Report: Key Updates for Week 51, ending December 20, 2025. https://www.cdc.gov/fluview/surveillance/2025-week-51.html#cdc_data_surveillance_section_2-u-s-virologic-surveillance