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Flu on the rise in 45 states, record cases

2026-02-08 12:04:00, Shëndeti CNA

The flu is hitting the US hard this season, and experts warn it's far from over.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, doctor visits for flu-like symptoms, fever, sore throat, extreme fatigue and body aches have reached their highest level in nearly 30 years.

So far, this flu season has produced the highest number of cases in more than 30 years, with about 11 million infections reported by the CDC.

These cases have led to nearly 120,000 hospitalizations and 5,000 deaths, including nine children. And the numbers are expected to continue to rise, as flu season typically lasts until April, Newsmax writes.

Currently, 45 states are experiencing high to very high levels of influenza activity.

The dominant strain this season is a variant of influenza A (H3N2) known as the "subclade K" strain, which is often called a "super flu" because of its rapid spread. This strain has been associated with more severe symptoms and higher rates of serious illness and hospitalization compared to a typical flu season.

Although this year's flu vaccine is not a perfect match for the subclade K strain, experts emphasize that vaccination still offers significant protection and can reduce the risk of severe illness.

Dr. Thomas Russo, chief of infectious diseases at the University at Buffalo School of Medicine in New York, says flu prevention should still rely on proven strategies.

"The ideal flu prevention program is getting the flu vaccine, yes, even now, because the flu season doesn't end until April or May, and wearing a mask in enclosed spaces with lots of people," says Russo.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that everyone six months of age and older get a yearly flu vaccine. Most people hospitalized with the flu are unvaccinated. During the 2019–2020 flu season, vaccination prevented an estimated 7 million illnesses, 3 million doctor visits, 100,000 hospitalizations, and 7,000 deaths.

If symptoms such as fever, chills, sore throat, cough, abdominal congestion, body aches, or extreme fatigue suddenly appear, you may have the flu. Stay home, avoid contact with others, and contact your doctor immediately./ CNA