In recent months, influenza, known as the flu, has taken a huge toll on the world. As 2026 begins, the flu has taken over 5,000 lives, along with hospitalizing roughly 120,000 people. Starting in December of 2025, flu cases have skyrocketed due to the spread of the subclade K flu variant. 

This variant of the flu started rapidly spreading, evolving to H3N2 influenza A virus. The virus mostly affects older adults that have previous viruses and health troubles. Individuals with weaker immune systems are at a higher risk of serious illnesses and impact from the flu virus. Health experts are pushing and encouraging the vaccine. 

Dr. Brenda Fitzgerald, former CDC Director stated, “Every healthy individual over the age of six months should get a flu vaccine. It is especially important for the elderly and very young to get a flu shot.” 

Influenza comes in multiple different forms and strains such as A, B, C, and D, with some being worse than others, influenza A seems to be the most dangerous. This strain causes more illness that can lead to pandemics over time. Pandemics such as the Spanish flu in 1918 affected both humans and animals. Like strain A, B also causes severe illnesses mostly in elders and young children. On the other hand, stains C and D are less severe and are not seen as “dangerous” to humans. Type D does not affect humans at all, in fact, it affects cows, pigs, and sometimes cats. 

Awareness of the symptoms of the flu can help someone get the help they need. The main symptoms of the flu are a fever, chills, coughing, sore throat, body aches, and extreme fatigue. In contrast to colds, the flu symptoms come faster and harder, and they will make someone feel much worse. 

With the flu being at its “peak”, and a high number of devastating fatalities, flu season continues to rapidly spread every year. Getting a vaccine, regularly washing hands, along with good sleep and food habits are seen as some ways to stay away from obtaining the flu.