US flu deaths have already topped 5000 this season, 120,000 hospitalizations - National & International News - TUE 6Jan2026 -

Health officials are urging those who have not yet gotten their flu jabs to do so as flu cases and hospitalizations rise.

US flu deaths have already topped 5000 this season

Since the beginning of this flu season, at least 5,000 people have died from flu in the US, 9 of them children. Forty-five states, including Mississippi, are experiencing high rates of flu. Doctor’s visits for flu and flu-like symptoms are at a 30-year high. The Centers for Disease Control estimates that about 11 million people have had the flu and there have been at least 120,000 hospitalizations attributed to flu since the season began. Since these numbers are from the week of Christmas, they do no account for any additional potential spread and infections from holiday season travel and family gatherings. Public health experts believe we are nowhere near the peak of flu season yet.

Adding to the difficulties, other respiratory illnesses like RSV and COVID are also on the rise. Hospital workers also report seeing a higher-than-usual number of patients experiencing shortness of breath, which can affect oxygen levels and be life-threatening.

Despite RFK, Jr’s, Department of Health and Human Services rolling back vaccine recommendations for children, public health officials are urging those who haven’t already gotten this year’s flu and COVID jabs to do so. It can take 7-10 days following a vaccine to be fully protected, but it is not too late to protect yourself and your loved ones this winter.