ATLANTA — The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that the current flu season caused at least 15 million illnesses as of early January 2026. National health data shows the virus has led to at least 180,000 hospitalizations and 7,400 deaths across the United States.

The CDC reports that 42 states are seeing significant flu activity. Of those, 26 states reported very high activity, while another 16 saw high levels.

Impact on Children

Families with young children have been hit particularly hard. During the week ending January 9, 2026, the flu accounted for more than 18% of doctor visits for children under age four. This is a 10-year high for that age group.

The virus has also proven dangerous for children. According to a tally by ABC News, eight children died from the flu during that same week, bringing the total number of child deaths this season to 17.

In a major policy change, the CDC no longer recommends that every child and teenager get a flu vaccine. Instead, federal health officials advise parents to talk to their doctors about whether their children need the shot. This change comes as vaccination rates remain low. As of December 27, 2025, only 43.5% of adults and 42.5% of children had received the shot.

Supply and Virus Trends

Local health systems and pharmacies are also feeling the pressure of the rising case numbers. Walgreens reported that demand for store-bought flu medicines and at-home tests jumped 155% between late December 2025 and early January 2026. This increase in demand has left some patients struggling to find supplies.

Beyond monitoring drug shortages, health officials are also tracking the specific strain of the virus causing the surge. They say the main strain this year is a type of H3N2 virus, which officials have named "subtype K." This strain caused outbreaks in Japan, Canada, and the United Kingdom before triggering the current surge in the U.S.

Major U.S. cities are seeing similar trends. New York City health officials reported that by December 2025, the city’s case count reached its highest level since records began in 2004.

Outlook for the Season

Health experts, including Dr. Carrie Reed of the CDC, predict that the number of flu cases will likely remain high across the country through the spring of 2026.

The high number of cases reported so far has put a major strain on the national healthcare system. Officials continue to monitor the H3N2 strain to see if health advice needs to change as the season goes on.