Flu & COVID-19 Cases Rise Again in the US: January 2026

Welcome to your trusted source for breaking US news, health updates, CDC reports, and expert explanations on major American stories. As winter deepens, respiratory viruses are making headlines once more. Here’s the latest on flu and COVID-19 trends in the United States for January 2026, based on the most recent CDC data (as of mid-January, covering weeks ending January 3–10, 2026).

Flu Season: Still Severe, But Showing Signs of Decline After Holiday Surge

The 2025–2026 flu season has been one of the harsher ones in recent years, driven by a highly mutated influenza A (H3N2) subclade K variant that’s less well-matched to this year’s vaccine. Cases surged sharply over the holidays, with record-high activity in states like New York and Colorado, and widespread “high” or “very high” influenza-like illness (ILI) levels across much of the country.

Key CDC Flu Stats (Week Ending January 10, 2026 – Week 1):

• Outpatient visits for respiratory illness: 5.3% (down from 7.2% the prior week, but still above baseline for six weeks).
• Positive flu tests: 18.6% (down from 24.7%).
• Flu hospitalizations: Rate fell to 8.4 per 100,000 (from 12.2); cumulative ~230,000 hospitalizations this season.
• Estimated season totals: At least 18 million illnesses, 230,000 hospitalizations, and 9,300 deaths (including 32 pediatric deaths, many unvaccinated).
• Activity levels: 36 jurisdictions report high/very high flu activity (down from 45); 14 states at “very high” ILI, 19 at “high.”

The CDC notes flu activity remains elevated nationally but has decreased or stabilized for two consecutive weeks—suggesting the peak may have passed for many areas, though a post-holiday second wave is possible. Hospitalizations and deaths (including pediatric) continue to rise in some reports, with experts warning it’s too early to declare the season over in all states.

Why this surge hit hard: The new variant contributed to lower vaccine effectiveness against severe outcomes, plus overlapping respiratory viruses strained systems. Vaccination remains the best defense—get your flu shot if you haven’t!

COVID-19: Low but Increasing in Some Areas

COVID-19 levels are generally low compared to flu dominance this winter, but showing early signs of uptick in parts of the country (especially Midwest and Northeast). The virus isn’t surging like flu, but wastewater and ED visit data indicate gradual increases.

Key CDC COVID Stats (Recent Weeks):

• Test positivity: ~5.2% (slight rise from prior weeks).
• ED visits for COVID: Low nationally (~0.79%), but increasing from very low levels.
• Rt estimate (effective reproduction number): ~0.85 nationally (declining overall), with infections growing/likely growing in only 2 states, declining in 39, stable in 7.
• Wastewater activity: Moderate for COVID nationally.
• Broader context: COVID continues to disproportionately affect older adults (65+), causing significant hospitalizations and deaths even at lower case levels.

No major new variant-driven wave reported yet, but experts monitor for holiday travel impacts and potential overlap with flu/RSV.

Combined Respiratory Picture: Flu Leads, But Triple Threat Lingers

• RSV: Elevated in many areas, especially among young children/infants (high ED visits and hospitalizations for under-5s), but declining nationwide.
• Overall acute respiratory illness: Moderate nationally, with flu as the primary driver.
• Hospital strain: Flu patients occupied ~3.3% of inpatient beds; combined viruses pressure healthcare in high-activity states.

Stay Safe Tips from CDC & Experts:

• Get vaccinated (flu & updated COVID shots still recommended).
• Test if symptomatic; mask in crowded/indoor settings if at risk.
• Wash hands, ventilate spaces, stay home if sick.
• High-risk groups (elderly, young children, immunocompromised) should take extra precautions.

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