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Flu Season Hits 20-Year High: 15M Cases, Urgent Vaccination Needed

1/14/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The United States faces its worst flu season in more than 20 years, with 15 million-plus cases and at least 7,400 deaths.
Hospitalizations and deaths rise due to a mismatch between circulating flu strains and the vaccine.
Antiviral medications like Tamiflu are underutilized despite reducing illness duration and severity.
Health officials urge vaccination, noting many have not received a flu shot this year, and vaccination remains the best defense.

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Story summary

The United States faces its worst flu season in more than 20 years, with 15 million-plus cases and at least 7,400 deaths.
Hospitalizations and deaths rise due to a mismatch between circulating flu strains and the vaccine.
Antiviral medications like Tamiflu are underutilized despite reducing illness duration and severity.
Health officials urge vaccination, noting many have not received a flu shot this year, and vaccination remains the best defense.