PULSE POINTS
WHAT HAPPENED: Flu cases in the U.S. have surged to their highest level in 25 years, with new symptoms being reported.
WHO WAS INVOLVED: Public health experts and Americans across the country.
WHEN & WHERE: Nationwide in the U.S., during the ongoing 2026 flu season.
KEY QUOTE: “This is definitely a banner year. It’s the worst we’ve had in at least 20 years.” – Dr. Caitlin Rivers
IMPACT: At least 11 million illnesses, 120,000 hospitalizations, and 5,000 deaths have been reported, with concerns over vaccine effectiveness and rising pediatric deaths.
IN FULL
The United States is currently experiencing its highest level of flu cases in 25 years, with new symptoms and severe impacts being observed across the nation. Experts have highlighted differences in this year’s strain, including prolonged fevers lasting up to seven days and increased gastrointestinal symptoms in adults, such as vomiting and diarrhea.
Dr. Mark Loafman of Cook County Health noted in a recent media interview that there is “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 has also noted that some cases are not responding to common medications, such as Tylenol or Motrin.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported that 30 states are currently in the worst flu activity tier, with at least 11 million illnesses, 120,000 hospitalizations, and 5,000 deaths recorded so far. Pediatric deaths are also on the rise, with nine child flu deaths reported nationwide, and recent additional cases may not yet be included in the CDC‘s tally.
Dr. Caitlin Rivers, an epidemiologist with the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security, described the situation 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 is experiencing very high levels of activity, and we’re still in the thick of it.” She added that the nation is at its highest level of respiratory illness since the 1997-1998 flu season.
Despite concerns that current flu vaccines may not fully inoculate against the new variant, health officials continue to urge Americans to get vaccinated, saying it remains the best way to prevent severe illness.
Image by Nicola Sap De Mitri.
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