Flu Cases Surge in U.S. 7.5M Sick; Measles on Rise

A.J. Pike

U.S. - Flu is surging nationwide as Doctors say we are nowhere near the peak of the season. A new variant of influenza A, or H3N2, known as subclade K, has appeared and been given the nickname “Super Flu.” At least 7.5 million cases of the flu have been reported in the U.S. with 81,000 hospitalizations since the season began in October. Recent hospitalizations have nearly doubled in a single week to over 19,000 up from the previous week of just under 10,000. Approximately 3,100 people have already died from the flu this season. The CDC estimates nearly 19,000 died from the flu last season.

The number of pediatric deaths rose to five, up from two the week before as this year’s flu strains are hitting young children particularly hard. Last season, 288 children died from the flu and nearly all were unvaccinated. 

Flu activity is at “high” or “very high” levels in 32 States and jurisdictions based on data from the week ending December 20, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Recent tracking information shows that nearly 90% of new flu cases in the country were from subclade K. Since subclade K is a variant to which the population has little immunity and is not covered completely by the current vaccine, many people are susceptible and are getting infected. 

“Just looking at the trajectory of the curve, it’s really a sharp increase that we’re seeing, and it’s not anywhere close to peaking or leveling off,” said an infectious disease physician.

The risk of catching a cold or flu in the U.S. Virgin Islands this season is currently estimated as “Extreme” according to local health sources, meaning the risk is very high. USVI health officials (VIDOH) are encouraging residents to practice the usual precautions like frequent handwashing and staying home when sick. AccuWeather reports the percentage of positive respiratory specimens is on the rise in certain parts of St. Croix and St. Thomas. The most predominant strain for the 2025-2026 season in the USVI is the A(H3N2) influenza virus. The VIDOH and local health clinics emphasize the importance of vaccination. 

To make matters worse, during peak holiday travel season, one of the most infectious diseases, measles, was detected at two major airports, Newark Liberty International in New Jersey and Boston’s Logan International Airport. A case of measles was identified in a passenger at terminals B & C on Dec. 12, according to a New Jersey Department of Health press release. The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) also confirmed on Christmas Eve that a visitor from Texas was diagnosed with the disease. The traveler flew from Boston Logan International on American Airlines flight 2384 from Dallas-Fort Worth and was in terminal B. 

Measles can stay in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves the area. The airborne virus can spread when someone coughs or sneezes. Measles symptoms include a high fever, cough, runny nose, watery red eyes, and  a rash that usually appears between three to five days after symptoms begin. According to the CDC, there have been over 2,000 measles cases in the U.S., in 2025, the highest number of cases in 30 years. 

“The single best way to protect your children and yourself from measles is to be vaccinated,” Connecticut’s DPH Commissioner Manisha Juthani, M.D. stated.  

Doctors are urging everyone who is eligible for a flu shot to get one this season, emphasizing it’s not too late to protect yourself.