We have been tracking influenza before there were cases in the North America. That’s because we pay careful attention to what happened in the Southern Hemisphere: Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Chile. This early warning system alerted us to a potentially bad flu season, and that was before the new subclade K variant reared its ugly head. This week, we have a personal story to share. We have a relative who works in one of the country’s premier hospitals. We have been asking about influenza outbreaks for this FLU WATCH outbreak update. Until this week we heard nothing unusual. But our healthcare pro worked in the emergency department this week and reported that the ER was filled with flu cases!
FLU WATCH for 12/26/2025:
First, we cannot rely upon the usual Friday FluView from the CDC. It would normally be updated on 12/26/25, but because of the holidays, we will not get an official CDC “Influenza Surveillance Report” until December 30, 2025. Because of this lag at a critical time of the year, we are forging ahead with an Outbreak Update and just focusing on influenza.
Our secret healthcare sleuth gave us a snapshot of the influenza outbreak at one emergency room at one hospital in the southeast. What’s happening elsewhere?
Flu Watch for Other States:
The CDC’s outdated map shows that flu activity is very high in New York, Colorado, Louisiana, Rhode Island and New Jersey. It’s high in Massachusetts, Delaware, Maryland, Michigan, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, New Mexico, Idaho and Puerto Rico. Keep in mind, though, the data for the CDC’s map is at least two to three weeks out of data.
Just because your state is not on that list does not mean you are protected. We suspect that all states are now experiencing a surge in subclade K cases of the A/H3N2 influenza virus.
We monitor news from around the country. A hospital in Cincinnati is reporting an “uptick” in upper respiratory tract infections.
A pediatrician at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor was quoted on NBC News:
“Flu, flu, flu. So much flu…we are inundated.”
Walgreen’s Respiratory Illness Index:
According to this pharmacy chain, the Respiratory Index is an interactive online tool that:
“tracks flu and COVID-19 activity nationwide using prescription, testing and over the counter (OTC) product purchase data from Walgreens locations nationwide.”
Looking at the map it looks like the entire country is lighting up. The only states where respiratory illnesses seem low are Washington, Oregon and Arizona. I tend to believe a data source that takes into account OTC product purchase data. If people are buying lots of cough, cold and flu medicine to ease their symptoms, that may be a more accurate reflection of what is happening than the CDC’s delayed metrics.
Flu Watch Recommendations:
If you are really sick, get to an emergency room. Yes, there will be lots of other sick people there, but a healthcare professional needs to listen to y0ur lungs and check you out for anything so serious it requires hospitalization.
All the public health authorities are recommending a flu shot. And yes, I got one several weeks ago. I am not going to say it’s too late, but by now you are pushing your luck if you think it will magically protect you from this year’s influenza A strain. The subclade K variant may make it more difficult for the vaccine to do its job effectively. Even when the shot is a very good match with the circulating viruses, effectiveness is only about 60%. Most years it averages around 40%.
There are antiviral meds that might shorten the duration and severity of the flu. But you need to know if you have a bad cold or influenza. The flu drugs will do nothing for the common cold. You can read more about meds like Tamiflu or Xofluza and OTC flu tests at this link.
Final Words From This Week’s Flu Watch:
Stay home if you’re sick, avoid crowded indoor spaces when possible, practice good hand hygiene, and consider wearing a well-fitted mask such as an N95 if you must be around others. Influenza isn’t acting alone this season; other respiratory viruses like RSV, COVID-19, and norovirus are also circulating, making vigilance and preventive measures even more important during holiday gatherings.
Please let us know if you or someone you know has become sick by sharing the story in the comment section below. Thank you for helping us keep your friends and neighbors informed about the flu this winter.
