Flu Cases Rise Across the US as Winter Season Peaks
Flu cases surge nationwide hitting hardest New York, Massachusetts, Minnesota. CDC reports 32 jurisdictions high/very high activity—double previous week. H3N2 variant dominates 92% tested samples driving hospitalizations from 9,944 to 19,053 single week. 7.5 million illnesses, 81,000 hospitalized, 3,100 deaths including 8 children December data. Winter peak underway.
Current Flu Situation: Numbers and Hotspots
New York recorded 71,000 cases week ending December 20—highest since 2004 tracking began. Boston cases jumped 114% children leading infections. Minnesota schools switched remote learning pre-holidays. CDC outpatient visits respiratory illness hit 4.1% above 3.1% baseline.
H3N2 notorious severe seasons particularly seniors. Holiday gatherings accelerated spread post-Christmas peak expected early February.
| Metric | Current | Previous Week |
|---|---|---|
| High Activity States | 32 | 16 |
| Hospitalizations | 19,053 | 9,944 |
| Child Deaths | 8 | 0 |
| H3N2 Share | 92% | 85% |
Flu Symptoms vs Cold: How to Tell Difference
Symptoms overlap but flu hits harder faster:
| Symptom | Flu | Cold |
|---|---|---|
| Onset | Sudden 1-4 hours | Gradual 1-3 days |
| Fever | 100-104F 3-4 days | Rare/low grade |
| Aches | Severe body/muscle | Mild |
| Fatigue | Severe weeks | Mild few days |
| Cough | Dry persistent | Mild productive |
Is Flu Dangerous This Year?
H3N2 severity higher seniors children. Hospitalizations doubled signaling bad season. 3,100 deaths already exceeds mild years. Complications pneumonia bacterial infections hit high-risk groups. Vaccination 40-60% effective H3N2 mismatch concerns exist.
How Long Does Flu Last?
Acute symptoms 3-7 days peak fever Days 2-4. Fatigue lingers 2-3 weeks. Contagious Day 1 before symptoms through Day 5 fever gone. Children contagious longer 7-10 days. H3N2 average 5-7 days severe cases 10+ days.
Prevention & What Works Now
- Vaccination—late better none (40% reduction)
- Handwashing 20 seconds minimum
- Masks indoor crowded high-risk
- Test-treat antivirals Tamiflu within 48 hours cuts severity 50%
- High-risk immediate doctor COVID/flu combo tests
Frequently Asked Questions
Flu dangerous this year US?
H3N2 dominant severe variant hospitalizations doubled—bad season underway.
Flu vs cold main difference?
Flu sudden severe fever aches fatigue. Cold gradual mild no fever.
How long flu symptoms last?
3-7 days acute, fatigue 2-3 weeks. Contagious 5-7 days.
Flu season peaks—H3N2 drives severe cases across 32 states. Vaccination, antivirals, isolation remain best defenses. Monitor CDC weekly updates local peaks vary. Stay healthy winter ahead.
Updated January 05, 2026 3:10 PM IST. CDC data week ending Jan 4.
