Sophia ReyesJan 16, 2026 6 min read

Hospitalizations Hit 10-Year High as Deadly "Super Flu" Sweeps Across America

U.S. hospitalizations and severe flu cases are rising fast this season, with health officials warning the worst may still be ahead. Source: Adobe Stock

The 2025-2026 flu season is turning deadly at an alarming rate, with the CDC estimating at least 7,400 deaths nationwide, including 17 children, and hospitalization rates reaching levels not seen in over a decade. The culprit? A mutated strain of influenza, the H3N2 subclade K, that experts are calling the "super flu" due to its resistance to immunity and rapid spread.

Since October 1, the CDC estimates 15 million illnesses and 180,000 hospitalizations nationwide. Eight children died in just the single week ending January 3, all from the aggressive H3N2 strain. Health officials warn the nation hasn't even reached peak flu season yet, meaning these numbers will almost certainly climb higher in the coming weeks.

A Nation Under Siege

As of early January, the CDC reports 14,153 laboratory-confirmed influenza hospitalizations since October 1, with a cumulative rate of 40.6 per 100,000 people. That's the second-highest rate at this point in a season since 2010-2011.

Nearly 8.2% of all outpatient visits nationwide are now for flu symptoms, the highest rate since the CDC started tracking this data in 1997. In a single week, 39,945 Americans were hospitalized with confirmed flu, with weekly hospitalization rates jumping to 8.7 per 100,000.

The Deadly H3N2 Subclade K Strain

H3N2 subclade K accounts for approximately 90% of characterized H3N2 viruses this season. It emerged after this year's flu vaccine had already been formulated, rendering it partially resistant to the vaccine's protection.

The strain first appeared in August 2025 and spread through the Southern Hemisphere before reaching North America. Now, 97% of all flu hospitalizations in the United States are associated with the influenza A virus.

Who Faces the Greatest Danger?

Among hospitalized patients, the highest rates are among adults 65 and older (130.7 per 100,000), followed by children under 5 years old (46.0 per 100,000). Children under 2 face extreme risk, as do people with chronic conditions like asthma or diabetes and those with weakened immune systems.

But this year's flu isn't just targeting the vulnerable. Reports from across the country include previously healthy teenagers and young adults succumbing to complications.

3-year-old Naya Kessler started feeling sick on Christmas morning. After days of vomiting and spiking fevers, her mother rushed her to UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento, where she remained hospitalized nearly a week later, battling severe dehydration and complications.

Tracking Cases Across America

At least 41 states are reporting "high" or "very high" levels of influenza-like illness activity. New York recorded over 71,000 cases in a single week, the highest weekly total ever recorded. Staten Island saw hospitalizations jump from 95 to 130 in seven days.

This CDC map for Week 53, ending January 3, 2026, shows flu-like illness activity at high or very high levels across much of the U.S., signaling an intense and still-building influenza season. Source: CDC

The CDC reports that flu positivity rates have reached 32.9% nationally, meaning nearly one in three people tested for flu are coming back positive.

The Vaccine Controversy

Only 42% of adults and children have received this year's flu shot, despite 130 million doses distributed across the United States.

The Trump administration changed federal guidance on vaccinating children, making flu vaccines for kids a "shared clinical decision" between parents and healthcare providers rather than a universal recommendation.

Early data from England show the vaccine is 70-75% effective at preventing hospitalization in children and 30-40% effective in adults. Vaccinated individuals who do get sick experience far less severe symptoms.

Recognizing Severe Symptoms

H3N2 symptoms are more intense than typical seasonal flu: severe headaches, high fevers, intense coughing, breathing difficulties that feel like asthma attacks, complete loss of appetite, debilitating sore throat, and intense body aches. Recovery can take up to 15 days.

The real danger comes from complications. Flu can lead to pneumonia, heart or brain inflammation, and organ failure. Dehydration hits children especially hard, and bacterial infections can develop on top of the viral illness, creating a deadly combination.

Steps You Can Take Now

Get vaccinated immediately if you haven't already. Most insurance plans cover the flu shot at no cost, and vaccines are available at virtually every pharmacy.

Wash your hands frequently, stay home when you're sick, and seek medical care at the first sign of trouble if you're at high risk. Antiviral medications like Tamiflu can be lifesaving but only if started within 48 hours of symptom onset.

If you develop a fever with cough or sore throat, call your doctor. If you have trouble breathing, persistent chest pain, severe dizziness, or aren't urinating normally, get to an emergency room immediately.

When Will It End? The Worst May Be Yet to Come

The CDC expects flu activity to continue surging for several weeks. Based on typical patterns, the nation likely won't hit peak flu season until late January or early February.

This season is already on track to rival or exceed the catastrophic 2022-2023 season, which saw cumulative hospitalization rates of 53.2 per 100,000. We're currently at 40.6 per 100,000 and climbing fast.

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