Health

A Virus Is Rising Exponentially This Month

A perfect viral storm is forming with influenza A this year.

Posted January 9, 2026 | Reviewed by Davia Sills

Key points

The current flu outbreak promises to be the worst one in years.
There have been about 11,000,000 cases, 120,000 hospitalizations and 5,000 deaths from flu so far this season.
If you start getting sick, get an over-the-counter rapid influenza, COVID, and RSV test.
Even though this year's flu vaccine is not the most effective, it offers some protection from severe illness.

Because awareness of a situation is the first step of protection, I closely follow what is happening in the nation and in the world of virus outbreaks.

Three days ago, I attended my quarterly conference for physicians, which addressed the latest concerns about infectious diseases. The presentation was done by Shira Shafir, Ph.D., Master of Public Health, and Professor at UCLA, who said that one virus is on a steep rise, predicting one of the worst outbreaks in the last few years. That virus is influenza A.

Below is a graph that tells all:

We see the percentage of outpatients’ visits for influenza-like illnesses (proven influenza cases and not tested but similar cases) in 2025 and the beginning of 2026, compared to the last few years. The current outbreak is represented by a dark red line that is higher than in previous years and is expected to continue rising with the start of school this week.

Indeed, the CDC estimates that in the U.S., there have been at least 11,000,000 cases, 120,000 hospitalizations, and 5,000 deaths, including nine deaths of children from the flu so far this season.

Why are so many people getting infected?

The ingredients of a perfect storm

This season, the vaccination rate is very low. Dr. Shafir mentioned: “Usually, about 50 to 60 percent of the eligible population is vaccinated, but this year, only 42 percent of the eligible population has received the flu vaccine.”
It is the end of the school break, with students getting back to school this week, which will probably spread the virus widely nationwide.
A lot of people are getting together in crowded, poorly ventilated indoor spaces. Very few wear face masks.
We are dealing with a very infectious flu virus this year, responsible for high fevers, chills, body aches, and severe bronchial and pulmonary symptoms, especially when hit by the dominant strain (influenza A - H3N2). My husband and I were some of the first patients infected with the flu at the end of August 2025. My flu symptoms were so severe, with a high fever, productive cough, and shortness of breath, even at rest, that I almost had to be hospitalized.

What to do to protect ourselves

Get a flu shot. According to Dr. Shafir: “Even though the flu vaccine is not the most effective vaccine this year, getting a flu shot will make you less infectious for less amount of time if you get infected by the flu virus. Also, you will be less sick, less likely to be hospitalized, and less likely to die than the people who have not received the vaccine.”
If you start getting sick, get an over-the-counter rapid test for influenza, COVID, and RSV. Test yourself to know what kind of virus you are dealing with. By the way, according to Dr. Shafir, there is also an increase in the COVID-19 virus in wastewaters in the United States, so COVID outbreaks will likely also go up in the next few weeks. Consequently, it is also recommended to get a COVID-19 vaccination.
If you are positive for one of those viruses, don’t visit other people while you are sick. And if you have to go to a public place, wear an N95 or a KN95 mask so that you don’t infect other people.
If you have a high fever and your test is positive for the flu, ask your doctor for a prescription for Oseltamivir (brand name is Tamiflu). Start the five-day antiviral treatment as soon as possible. That will hopefully shorten your symptoms and decrease your risk of hospitalization.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands to prevent getting infected. Make sure you wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after being in public places.
Keep your distance from people who are clearly sick.
Sit or stand next to an open window and wear a well-fitting face mask in crowded indoor places, like packed events and public transport.
Strengthen your immune system: Sleep 7 to 8 hours a night, have as little stress as possible, exercise regularly, and eat a balanced diet.

All that being said, enjoy this winter season and have a happy New Year 2026.