January 13, 2026. The information below is taken from a report by Your Local Epidemiologist.
Things to know:
- Most Influenza-Like Illness (ILI) activity right now are flu
- ILI is the highest it has been since the 1997-98 flu season (and the highest it has been since the CDC started tracking ILI)
- Last season, ILI infections started peaking in the beginning of February; we are seeing similar rates now – a month earlier than last year – and infections are still increasing
- ED visits are highest among children aged 5-17 years, children under 5 years are close behind
- Seventeen children have died from the flu so far this season (last year, we had a record 280 pediatric deaths)
- Subclade K (an offshoot of H3N2) is better at evading this year’s flu shot and prior immunity, and has accounted for roughly 80% of flu samples tested
Things to do:
- Get your flu shot (if you haven’t already). It may not fully prevent an infection, but it can greatly reduce the severity and reduce spread in our community.
- Recommend that everyone aged 6 months and over get a flu shot.
- If you do get sick, prescription antivirals like Tamiflu or Xofluza can reduce severity – talk to your doctor.
- Wear a mask in crowded indoor spaces
- Improve ventilation if possible
- STAY HOME IF YOU’RE SICK!