Should you get a flu shot? Experts say yes
Mutations in some H3N2 strains may not match current flu vaccines, but doctors explain why it’s still a good idea to get vaccinated.
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Influenza cases are surging across the United States during the busy holiday travel season.
New York state is one of the hardest hit states. According to the New York State Department of Health, New York State reported its highest number of positive influenza cases in a single week (71,123) during the week ending December 20th. The ministry said this represents a 38% increase compared to the previous week.
New York was one of 14 states that reported high or very high numbers of outpatient visits to health care providers for flu-like illnesses during the week ending Dec. 13, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The District of Columbia, New York City and Puerto Rico are also reporting many or very high numbers of flu-like cases, the agency said.
As of Dec. 16, the CDC predicted that influenza cases were increasing or likely to increase in 47 states, with only Hawaii showing a decline in cases.
The increase in seasonal influenza activity across the United States is similar to the past several seasons, according to the CDC. However, at the same time, a new influenza strain called subclade K, which is a variant of influenza A (H3N2) virus that has caused influenza outbreaks in Japan, the United Kingdom, and Canada, has also appeared. Health officials are concerned that current flu vaccines may be incompatible with new variants, but remain confident they can protect against severe illness.
Health officials are not yet sure whether the new strain of influenza is leading to more cases or more severe cases, but “what is clear is that the number of infections is increasing, and that there are more influenza cases nationwide.” We’re seeing an increase, and this trend is certain to continue into the new year,” Andrew Pekos, co-director of the Johns Hopkins Center of Excellence for Influenza Research and Response, said in a Dec. 16 video health briefing.
Fewer Americans are getting flu shots this season
Also, fewer Americans getting vaccinated against the flu could potentially be contributing to the rise in influenza cases. More than 47.6 million flu shots have been administered at retail pharmacies and doctor’s offices so far in the 2025-2026 season, which is about 3 million fewer than last year, according to the CDC.
The government shutdown, which lasted from Oct. 1 to Nov. 12, also likely meant less influenza activity data, which could have affected vaccination rates, Jennifer Nuzzo, a professor of epidemiology and director of the Pandemic Center at Brown University School of Public Health, said in an influenza report published Dec. 19 in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
“We could potentially be heading into a very nasty flu season, and we know it’s starting with less data and, more importantly, fewer vaccinations,” she said.
The flu has killed 1,900 people and three children, according to the CDC.
The CDC estimates that the flu has caused at least 4.6 million illnesses, 49,000 hospitalizations and 1,900 deaths so far this season. Two pediatric deaths were reported to the CDC for the week ending Dec. 13, bringing the total number of influenza-related pediatric deaths so far this season to three, the agency announced.
In Colorado, where the CDC said influenza-like activity was “very high,” the number of emergency department visits diagnosed with influenza increased 7% in the week ending Dec. 20, according to the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment.
Influenza accounts for 7% of emergency department visits in Louisiana, up from about 6% the previous week, according to the Louisiana Department of Health. All respiratory illnesses, including influenza, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus, accounted for nearly 9% of emergency visits, the ministry said.
In New York City, the rate of hospital emergency room visits diagnosed with the flu increased to 8.75% in the week ending Dec. 20 from 6.76% the previous week, according to the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.
Influenza activity is high or very high in these states
CDC’s FluView interactive map is based on health care provider outpatient visits for influenza-like illnesses within a state or territory. These states and territories had high or very high levels.
- Colorado (very high)
- Connecticut (Highlands)
- District of Columbia (High)
- Idaho (high)
- Massachusetts (High)
- New Hampshire (high)
- new jersey (high)
- New Mexico (High)
- New York (very expensive)
- New York City (very expensive)
- Puerto Rico (high)
- Louisiana (very high)
- Georgia (high)
- Maryland (High)
- Michigan (High)
- North Carolina (High)
- South Carolina (High)
What are your recent flu symptoms?
Symptoms associated with H3N2 are similar to those of other influenza viruses and include:
- heat
- cough
- snot
- fatigue
- muscle pain and chills
How to protect yourself from the flu
It’s not too late to get a flu shot. The CDC, World Health Organization, and other leading medical organizations consider this the most effective way to prevent serious illness from influenza. Everyone over the age of 6 months is eligible to receive the flu vaccine unless they have certain medical conditions, such as an allergy to the ingredients in the flu vaccine or a severe reaction to a previous shot.
To prevent the spread of the flu, you should wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, the New York State Department of Health notes. Other tips to prevent the spread of the flu:
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- If you are sick, please stay home.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue and throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
Contributor: Mary Walrath-Holdridge
Mike Snyder is a national trends news reporter for USA TODAY. You can follow him on Threads, Bluesky, and X, and email him at: mike snyder & @mikegsnider.bsky.social & @mikesnider & msnider@usatoday.com.
