Archive · 6 Jan 2026
US Faces Severe Flu Surge
The US is experiencing a very bad flu season, the worst since the Covid-19 pandemic.
Over 11 million people have gotten sick, and more than 5,000 have died.
The flu is hitting children and teenagers the hardest, with many visits to the emergency room.
A new type of flu, called the 'super flu,' is spreading quickly because it can avoid protection from vaccines or past infections.
Experts say the situation might get worse.
Even though the vaccine isn't a perfect match, it can still help prevent serious illness.
The flu season usually lasts until May, so people should take care to stay healthy.
The US is experiencing its worst flu surge since the Covid-19 pandemic, with 11 million cases and 5,000 deaths.
Children and teenagers are particularly affected, with over 20% of emergency visits for kids aged 5-17 due to flu.
A new variant, dubbed the 'super flu,' is driving the outbreak and evading vaccine protection.
Only 43% of adults were vaccinated by the end of last year, leaving many vulnerable.
Experts warn the situation may worsen, as the flu season typically continues until May.
- Who
- US population, especially children and teenagers
- What
- Severe flu outbreak with a new variant
- When
- End of 2025, with the season continuing until May
- Where
- Concentrated in the eastern US, spreading to western states
- Why
- New variant evades vaccine protection and previous infections
- Total Cases
- 11 million
- Deaths
- 5,000
- Vaccination Rate
- 43% of adults
- Highest Affected Age Group
- Children 5-17 years old (20% of emergency visits)
- Pediatric Deaths Last Year
- 280
- Current Flu Variant
- H3N2 mutation (dubbed 'super flu')
- Flu Season Duration
- Typically winds down by May