Health officials in the United States have reported a slight downturn in influenza activity, but they caution it is too early to declare that this severe season has reached its peak.
Mixed Signals from Latest Data
New government figures released on Friday 9th January 2026, covering the week prior, indicated a decline in doctor visits for flu-like symptoms. The number of states reporting high levels of flu activity also fell slightly to 44.
However, this glimmer of hope is tempered by other concerning metrics. Flu-related hospitalisations and deaths actually increased last week. Experts warn that this season is already on track to surpass last winter's harsh epidemic, which was one of the worst in recent memory.
Dominant Strain Poses Significant Risk
The current season is being driven predominantly by the influenza A H3N2 strain, a type historically linked to higher rates of hospitalisation and death among older adults. Of particular concern is that more than 91% of the H3N2 samples analysed belong to a new version, known as the K subclade, which differs from the strain included in this year's flu vaccines.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that so far this season, flu has caused at least 15 million illnesses, 180,000 hospitalisations, and 7,400 deaths. This includes at least 17 paediatric deaths.
Last season set a grim benchmark, recording the highest overall flu hospitalisation rate since the H1N1 pandemic 15 years ago. The death toll among children reached 289, the worst figure for any flu season this century, exceeding even the 2009-2010 "swine flu" pandemic.
Policy Shift on Childhood Vaccination
In a significant policy change, federal health officials announced on Monday that they will no longer universally recommend flu vaccinations for all children in the US. Instead, they state the decision should be made by parents in consultation with their doctors.
This move has alarmed public health advocates. Michele Slafkosky, executive director of the group Families Fighting Flu, expressed deep concern. "I can’t begin to express how concerned we are about the future health of the children in this country, who already have been unnecessarily dying from the flu — a vaccine preventable disease," she said in a statement.
Experts continue to stress that while flu shots may not prevent all infections, they are crucial in reducing the severity of illness.
A Complex Winter Virus Landscape
Tracking flu trends is especially difficult during the holiday period due to school closures, travel, and changes in healthcare-seeking behaviour. Furthermore, some seasons experience a second surge after an initial decline.
Influenza is not the only threat this winter. Other federal data shows that hospitalisations from COVID-19 and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) have also been rising in recent weeks, though diagnosed less frequently than flu.
The overall picture remains one of caution, with health officials urging vigilance despite the slight recent dip in cases.
