The United States is currently experiencing its highest level of flu cases in 25 years during the ongoing 2026 flu season, with new symptoms and severe health impacts reported nationwide. At least 11 million illnesses, 120,000 hospitalizations, and 5,000 deaths have been recorded so far this year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Pediatric deaths are also on the rise, with nine child flu deaths reported nationally, though recent cases may not yet be included in official counts.
Experts have highlighted significant differences in this year’s flu strain, including prolonged fevers lasting up to seven days and increased gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea in adults. Dr. Mark Loafman of Cook County Health noted in a recent interview that “More fever with the flu this year than people are accustomed to. And the fever can last up to seven days, so five to seven days. And that’s worrisome.”
Dr. Juanita Mora from the American Lung Association added that some cases are not responding to common medications like Tylenol or Motrin. The CDC reports that 30 states are currently in the worst flu activity tier. Dr. Caitlin Rivers, an epidemiologist with the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, described this year’s flu season as unprecedented: “This is definitely a banner year. It’s the worst we’ve had in at least 20 years. We’re seeing a majority of the country experiencing very high levels of activity, and we’re still in the thick of it.” She further noted that the nation is at its highest level of respiratory illness since the 1997-1998 flu season.
Health officials continue to urge Americans to get vaccinated despite concerns about vaccine effectiveness against the new variant, emphasizing vaccination as the best defense against severe illness.
