Just when many Americans believed the flu season was easing, new data shows influenza cases are climbing again — driven by a fast-spreading new variant and intensified winter transmission.
Health officials say the resurgence is linked to subclade K of the influenza A(H3N2) virus, also known as J.2.4.1. The strain has already caused early outbreaks in the United Kingdom, Japan and Canada. In the U.S., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported high or very high flu activity in more than half of states just before the new year.
Nationwide, the CDC estimates at least 7.5 million flu illnesses, 81,000 hospitalizations and 3,100 deaths so far this season, including at least eight pediatric deaths. Those figures were reported before major holiday gatherings, raising concerns that the true toll may be even higher.
Several states are reporting alarming spikes. New York recorded its highest single-week flu hospitalizations on record, with more than 4,500 patients admitted in late December. Ohio officials also confirmed the death of a 16-year-old girl whose condition rapidly worsened after initially showing typical flu symptoms.
Alabama Sees Sharp Winter Surge
Here in Alabama, the situation is worsening quickly. New data from the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) shows viral respiratory disease–related emergency room visits jumped more than 100 percent statewide in just one week between Dec. 13 and Dec. 20. Flu-related visits rose from just over 2 percent of ER cases to more than 6 percent.
According to ADPH, respiratory illness visits increased steadily from 1.02 percent during the week of Nov. 29 to 6.26 percent by Dec. 20. The surge follows the believed flu-related death of an 11-year-old child from Hueytown.
“Flu activity is very high across the state right now, and we consider that to probably be continuing for the next couple of weeks,” said Dr. Wes Stubblefield, medical officer with ADPH.
Health officials stress that while circulating strains are evolving, vaccination remains one of the most effective tools for reducing severe illness, hospitalization and death. The CDC continues to recommend flu shots for everyone six months and older.
Doctors also emphasize everyday precautions: staying home when sick, practicing good hygiene, covering coughs and sneezes, and seeking medical care early if symptoms worsen.
Flu season may feel familiar, but this surge is a reminder that it should never be taken lightly — especially as winter deepens and community spread continues.