Federal and state surveillance show respiratory illness visits and flu test positivity rising, with a newly emerged H3N2 subclade K contributing to sharper increases in some regions. The agency reports that outpatient visits for respiratory illnesses have reached their highest level since at least the 1997–98 season. Flu vaccination coverage among children has declined from about 53 percent in the 2019–20 season to about 42 percent at the same point this season. Critics warned that altering broad recommendations during a severe season risks reducing vaccination in vulnerable communities. With cases still rising, they urge families and clinicians to prioritize vaccination now and to use antivirals promptly for those infected to reduce severe illness and ease pressure on hospitals.

Source: Los Angeles Times January 17, 2026 06:00 UTC