Seasonal influenza activity across the United States remains elevated, but key indicators show a decrease or stabilization for the second week in a row. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released this data for the week ending January 10, 2026. Health officials warn that a second surge after the holidays is still possible.
Overall Flu Activity Trends
About 18.6% of respiratory specimens tested positive for influenza. This marks a declining trend compared to the previous week. Visits to healthcare providers for respiratory illness stood at 5.3%. This is down from Week 53 but above the national baseline for the sixth consecutive week.
The CDC classified 36 jurisdictions as having high or very high activity. Eight jurisdictions reported moderate activity.
Dominant Virus: Influenza A(H3N2)
Influenza A(H3N2) remains the most frequently reported virus this season. Of the 547 A(H3N2) samples genetically characterized since September 28, around 91% belonged to subclade K. This indicates limited viral diversity so far.
No new avian influenza A(H5) infections were reported this week. The CDC reiterated that person-to-person transmission has not been detected in the US.
Hospitalizations Remain Historically High
The weekly influenza-associated hospitalization rate fell to 5.6 per 100,000 population. This is down from 11.6 the previous week. However, the Week 52 peak of 12.6 marked the second-highest weekly rate since the 2010–11 season.
The cumulative hospitalization rate now stands at 50.4 per 100,000 population. This is also the second-highest at this point in the season.
A total of 27,428 patients were admitted to hospitals with laboratory-confirmed influenza during Week 1. This shows a declining trend.
Children and Older Adults Most Affected
Adults aged 65 years and older recorded the highest cumulative hospitalization rate at 166.8 per 100,000. Children aged 0–4 years followed at 54.2.
Among children, the peak weekly hospitalization rate this season was the highest observed since 2010–11. This highlights a significant paediatric impact.
Hospitalization rates were also disproportionately higher among non-Hispanic Black persons. American Indian or Alaska Native, Hispanic, and non-Hispanic White populations followed.
Pediatric Deaths Raise Concern
The CDC reported 15 influenza-associated paediatric deaths this week. This brings the season total to 32 deaths. Of those with known vaccination status, 90% occurred in children who were not fully vaccinated.
Most paediatric deaths were linked to influenza A(H3N2) viruses.
Mortality and Severity Assessment
Influenza accounted for 2.1% of all deaths nationally during week 1 in January. This is an increase from the previous week.
The CDC’s in-season severity framework classifies the overall season as moderate. It notes high severity among children. Adults and older adults remain in the moderate category. The classification may change if activity rises again.
Estimated Flu Burden This Season
The CDC estimates that so far this season, influenza has caused at least:
- 18 million illnesses
- 230,000 hospitalizations
- 9,300 deaths
Vaccination and Treatment Update
Approximately 130 million doses of influenza vaccine have been distributed this season. The CDC stressed that it is not too late to get vaccinated. Vaccination reduces the risk of severe illness and complications.
Prescription antiviral treatments remain effective when started early. This is particularly important for high-risk patients.
Co-circulating Respiratory Viruses
The CDC noted that influenza, COVID-19, and RSV continue to circulate simultaneously. This contributes to elevated respiratory illness levels nationwide. Officials urged caution in interpreting short-term declines, especially during the post-holiday period.
