Flu Infections Reach Alarming Levels as New Variant Emerges

Wed Jan 07 2026 12:54:22 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

U.S. health officials report a dramatic increase in flu cases over the holiday season, exacerbated by the emergence of a new variant that could lead to a more severe outbreak.

Flu infections in the U.S. have surged significantly during the holiday season, with 45 states reporting high or very high flu activity. The predominant strain, H3N2, is particularly concerning due to the emergence of a variant that differs from this year's flu vaccine. With previous flu seasons seeing increased hospitalizations, health officials anticipate potential hospital overcrowding.

NEW YORK (AP) — Flu infections in the United States have surged dramatically over the holiday season, prompting health officials to declare this year's outbreak as particularly severe and likely to worsen. According to new data released by the government, flu activity through Christmas week shows this season's numbers could potentially outstrip last year's epidemic, which was one of the toughest in recent memory.

COVID-19 cases are also on the rise, although they remain less prevalent compared to flu infections. Reports reveal that 45 states experienced high or very high flu activity during the week of Christmas, a significant increase from 30 states just a week prior. Public health experts suggest that the mutant strain of the flu—the A H3N2 variant—may be the driving force behind the heightened cases.

This variant has been historically linked to a surge in hospitalizations and fatalities among older populations. Alarmingly, a staggering 90% of H3N2 infections analyzed were identified as a new subclade K variant, which is differing from the strain included in this year’s flu vaccine.

Flu seasons typically reach their peak between January and February, leaving health officials uncertain about the potential implications of this vaccine mismatch. Last flu season recorded the highest hospitalization rate since the H1N1 pandemic, and with nine pediatric flu deaths reported this season, the situation is worrying. As of now, the CDC estimates that the ongoing flu season has led to at least 11 million illnesses, 120,000 hospitalizations, and around 5,000 deaths, reinforcing the importance for everyone over six months old to receive their annual flu shot.