US Flu Activity Declining After Peak as CDC Reports 18 Million Illnesses and Urges Vaccination

Listeners, as of mid-January 2026, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that US flu activity remains high nationally but is declining after a peak, with flu-positive tests dropping to 18.6% from 24.6% in the prior week ending January 10. Outpatient visits for influenza-like illness fell to 5.3%, still above baseline, while hospitalizations decreased to 8.4 per 100,000 people. The CDC estimates 18 million illnesses, 230,000 hospitalizations, and 9,300 deaths this season, including 32 pediatric deaths—90% unvaccinated—with 15 new ones reported recently. Influenza A(H3N2) subclade K dominates at over 90% of tested strains, but H1N1 is surging to 43% of subtyped viruses by the week ending January 17, potentially shifting severe cases to younger adults. Respiratory syncytial virus activity stays elevated, driving hospitalizations in infants under one year and emergency visits among young children aged zero to four. COVID-19 levels are low but rising. The California Department of Public Health notes increasing flu cases and hospitalizations there, urging vaccines, tests, and treatments—which remain widely available nationwide. The CDC says it's not too late for flu shots, offering moderate protection against severe disease. On vaccines, the CDC revised its childhood schedule on January 5, dropping universal recommendations from 17 to 11 diseases, shifting hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rotavirus, influenza, meningococcal, and RSV shots to high-risk groups or shared decision-making with parents. Insurance like Blue Cross Blue Shield and AHIP plans cover them through 2026. However, the American Academy of Pediatrics and 17 states including California and New York continue recommending the full prior schedule for all children. Stay vigilant, get vaccinated if eligible, and consult providers for personalized advice amid this moderately severe respiratory season. Thank you for tuning in, listeners—please subscribe for updates. This has been a Quiet Please production, for more check out quietplease.ai. For more http://www.quietplease.ai Get the best deals https://amzn.to/3ODvOta