Across the United States, the flu season is roaring back with a vengeance, setting new records and sending health officials scrambling to curb its spread. From the Wiregrass region in Alabama to the bustling streets of New York City, clinics and hospitals are reporting a surge in patients with classic flu symptoms—fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, and fatigue—just as winter forces more people indoors.
According to reports from WDNews in Dothan, Alabama, local doctors and clinics are seeing a pronounced uptick in flu-like illnesses. This mirrors statewide trends, as the Alabama Department of Public Health has documented rising influenza activity in recent weeks. Health professionals warn that the flu is moving rapidly through schools, workplaces, and households, with the season expected to peak in January and February 2026. "We’re seeing more people coming in with fever, cough, sore throat, body aches and fatigue," noted one local provider, underscoring the breadth of the current outbreak.
But Alabama is far from alone. As USA TODAY reports, the United States as a whole is experiencing a particularly fierce flu season. The week ending December 20, 2025, saw New York State record its highest number of positive flu cases ever in a single week—an astonishing 71,123 cases, which marked a 38% jump from the previous week, according to the New York State Department of Health. Fourteen states, including New York, reported high or very high outpatient visits for influenza-like illnesses for the week ending December 13, 2025, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The District of Columbia, New York City, and Puerto Rico are also grappling with high or very high flu-like activity.
CDC projections as of December 16, 2025, indicate that flu infections were rising or likely growing in 47 states, with only Hawaii seeing a decline. The CDC estimates there have been at least 4.6 million illnesses, 49,000 hospitalizations, and 1,900 deaths from the flu so far this season. Tragically, two pediatric deaths were reported during the week ending December 13, bringing the season’s total to three pediatric fatalities.
Some states are being hit harder than others. In Colorado, emergency department visits with a flu diagnosis increased by 7% for the week ending December 20, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment. Louisiana saw influenza account for 7% of emergency department visits during that same week, up from about 6% the previous week. In New York City, flu-related emergency room visits rose to 8.75% for the week ending December 20, up from 6.76% the previous week, according to the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.
The CDC’s FluView Interactive Map highlights that several states and territories—Colorado, Louisiana, New York, and others—are experiencing high or very high flu activity. The symptoms, especially those associated with the H3N2 strain, are all too familiar: fever, cough, runny nose, fatigue, muscle aches, and chills. Medical professionals advise that anyone with mild symptoms should contact their primary care provider before heading straight to the emergency room, reserving urgent care for those with severe symptoms—especially young children, older adults, or individuals with underlying health conditions.
This year’s flu season also comes with a twist. A new flu strain, subclade K of influenza A(H3N2), is circulating, having already caused outbreaks in Japan, the United Kingdom, and Canada. While there’s some concern about whether the current flu vaccine is a perfect match for this variant, health officials remain confident that it provides protection against serious illness. "What is clear is that cases are increasing, and we're seeing a lot of influenza cases increasing across the country, and that's a trend that we [are] sure will continue into the new year," said Andrew Pekosz, co-director of the Johns Hopkins Center of Excellence in influenza research and response, in a December 16 video health briefing.
Yet, despite the rising threat, fewer Americans are rolling up their sleeves for the flu shot. The CDC reports that over 47.6 million flu vaccinations have been administered at retail pharmacies and physician offices so far in the 2025-2026 season—a decrease of about 3 million compared to last year. Experts believe the recent government shutdown, which lasted from October 1 to November 12, 2025, likely contributed to a drop in flu activity data and may have affected vaccination rates. "We’re potentially heading into a flu season that could be quite a doozy, and we know we’re starting it with fewer data and, more crucially, fewer vaccinations," warned Jennifer Nuzzo, professor of epidemiology and director of the Pandemic Center at Brown University School of Public Health, in a report published December 19 by the Journal of the American Medical Association.
Health authorities are urging everyone eligible—anyone aged six months and older, barring specific medical contraindications—to get vaccinated as soon as possible. The CDC, World Health Organization, and other leading medical institutions agree: vaccination remains the single most effective way to prevent serious illness from the flu. While the vaccine may not always perfectly match every circulating strain, it consistently reduces the risk of severe disease, hospitalization, and death.
Alongside vaccination, basic precautions are being strongly recommended. Frequent handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds—or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer—can drastically reduce the risk of infection. Avoiding touching the eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands, staying home when sick, and steering clear of close contact with ill individuals are all simple yet effective measures. Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue (and promptly discarding it), as well as cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects and surfaces, can further limit the flu’s spread. The Alabama Department of Public Health, echoing national guidance, also reminds residents that staying informed and taking these basic steps can help keep families healthier as the season unfolds.
For those in the Wiregrass and across the country, the message is clear: this flu season is shaping up to be one of the most challenging in recent memory. With cases rising, a new virus variant in circulation, and vaccination rates lagging, vigilance is more important than ever. Health officials stress that it is not too late to act—getting vaccinated and following everyday precautions can make a world of difference, not just for individuals but for entire communities, as the nation braces for what could be a long winter ahead.