US flu activity fell for a second week. But experts worry the season is far from over
January 16, 2026
Health experts say the U.S. flu season appears to be waning with two straight weeks of decline in measures of flu activity. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Friday posted the latest data showing a big drop in flu hospitalizations and a smaller but significant decrease in medical office visits due to flu-like illness. The number of states reporting high flu activity also fell — from 44 to 36. But that doesn’t mean the season is over, especially for the flu. CDC officials noted second surges in flu activity often occur after the winter holidays.