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Flu Surge: 11 Million Illnesses and Rising Hospitalizations

1/5/2026

24 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Thirty states are experiencing very high flu activity, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Flu cases surged over the holidays, surpassing last winter's severe season.
The dominant strain is A(H3N2), primarily the new subclade K variant.
This season has logged at least 11 million illnesses, 120,000 hospitalizations, and 5,000 deaths, and experts warn the vaccine mismatch may raise hospitalizations.

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Story summary

Thirty states are experiencing very high flu activity, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Flu cases surged over the holidays, surpassing last winter's severe season.
The dominant strain is A(H3N2), primarily the new subclade K variant.
This season has logged at least 11 million illnesses, 120,000 hospitalizations, and 5,000 deaths, and experts warn the vaccine mismatch may raise hospitalizations.