Frank Rondel
Seasonal influenza activity in the United States continues to remain elevated as the 2025–2026 flu season progresses, with multiple regions reporting high viral activity, the customreceipt.com reports, citing CDC data. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Week 53, ending January 3, 2026, saw ongoing transmission of influenza A and B viruses nationwide, with influenza A(H3N2) being the most frequently detected subtype. CDC officials noted that fluctuations in reported cases may reflect holiday-related changes in healthcare-seeking behavior rather than a true decline in influenza activity.
During this period, public health laboratories reported 1,259 positive influenza specimens, of which 1,223 (97.1%) were influenza A and 36 (2.9%) were influenza B. Among 885 influenza A viruses subtyped, 817 (92.3%) were identified as A(H3N2), while 68 (7.7%) were A(H1N1)pdm09. Further genetic analysis of 436 influenza A(H3N2) samples collected since September 28, 2025, showed that 91.5% belonged to subclade K. Clinical laboratories nationwide tested 102,518 respiratory specimens, with 25,343 (24.7%) returning positive for influenza; of these, 94.1% were influenza A and 5.9% were influenza B.
The CDC also reported eight new influenza-associated pediatric deaths this week, bringing the cumulative total for the season to 17. The agency estimates that the 2025–2026 flu season has resulted in at least 15 million illnesses, 180,000 hospitalizations, and 7,400 deaths across the country. Health authorities continue to encourage influenza vaccination, noting that approximately 130 million doses have been distributed this season, and antiviral medications remain available for early treatment, particularly for high-risk populations.
Influenza activity is part of a broader landscape of respiratory illnesses, including COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), with CDC providing integrated weekly updates on these infections. No new cases of avian influenza A(H5) have been reported in the United States, and there has been no evidence of sustained human-to-human transmission of these viruses.
Earlier we wrote that Actor T.K. Carter, Star of 1982 Horror Classic The Thing, Dies at 69 in California.