TL;DR: If it feels like everyone around you is sick, you’re not imagining it. Flu cases, hospitalizations, and deaths are climbing fast this season, driven largely by a mutated H3N2 strain that spreads efficiently. While this year’s flu vaccine is not a perfect match, it still significantly reduces severe illness and disruption.
If it feels like everyone around you is coughing, sniffling, or unexpectedly out of the office, you’re not imagining it.
This flu season is tough. And the data backs up what people are seeing in real time.
Flu-related illness and deaths are rising across the U.S., helping explain why sickness feels unavoidable right now.
The United States is now experiencing its highest rate of flu cases in at least 25 years, with 19 states reporting the highest levels of respiratory illness measured by the CDC. As of Dec. 27, officials report at least 11 million cases, 120,000 hospitalizations and 5,000 deaths this season.
In other words, this isn’t just a rough patch. It’s a widespread surge that’s showing up everywhere, including at work.
Below, we break down what’s driving this season and what it means for workplaces trying to keep teams healthy and functioning.

