CDC labels 2025–26 U.S. flu season ‘moderately severe’ as cases climb
A Reuters report cited CDC estimates of millions of flu illnesses and rising hospitalization and death counts, with experts pointing to travel, low vaccination rates, and misinformation as contributing factors.
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- Lagos Tribune News Desk
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The CDC classified the 2025–26 U.S. flu season as “moderately severe,” according to a Reuters report republished by Investing.com, as influenza activity remained elevated and increased in late December.
CDC estimates cited in the report put the season’s toll so far at at least 11 million illnesses, 120,000 hospitalizations, and 5,000 deaths. The report said Influenza A(H3N2) was the dominant subtype among characterized cases.
Public health experts told Reuters that holiday travel, lower vaccination uptake, and misinformation helped fuel the surge, while the CDC warned activity could remain high for weeks.
- Season: 2025–26 U.S. influenza season
- CDC classification: moderately severe
- Dominant strain noted: Influenza A(H3N2)