Where Is There Flu in 2026

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently announced that seasonal influenza activity is continuing to decline nationwide; however, trends differ among various age groups and regions.

As of January 25, 2026, the CDC's FluView report for week #3 noted a 4.4% decrease in visits to healthcare providers for respiratory illnesses compared to the previous week.

Tragically, the CDC also reported twelve additional influenza-associated pediatric deaths last week, bringing the total for the 2025-2026 season to 44 reported deaths related to influenza in children. Among the children who were eligible for influenza vaccination and had known vaccination status, approximately 90% of the reported pediatric deaths this season occurred in those who were not fully vaccinated against influenza.

However, the CDC's in-season severity assessment framework classified this flu season as moderate across all ages.

To visualize this CDC flu information, the Walgreens Respiratory Illness Index updated its national graphic that highlights which states are reporting flu activity at retail pharmacies.

According to Walgreens, the current leaders include Louisiana, Michigan, Nevada, and Oklahoma.

Since the flu season is expected to last a few more months, pharmacies and clinics continue to offer various flu shots throughout the U.S. Additionally, the FluMist vaccine can be administered at home in 2026.