Where the flu stands now

According to CDC, positive flu tests for the week ending Dec. 6 were up 8.1% nationwide, and the cumulative flu hospitalization rate was 6.9 per 100,000 population, almost double the rate seen during the same time last flu season. This marks the third-highest rate recorded since 2010, behind the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons.

CDC estimates that so far this flu season, there have been at least 2.9 million illnesses, 30,000 hospitalizations, and 1,200 deaths. Additionally, one influenza-associated pediatric death was reported during the week ending Nov. 22, the first of the 2025-2026 season.

While CDC says that overall flu severity indicators remain low, the agency also noted that some indicators are elevated and that flu season is just beginning.

Some states are seeing higher rates of influenza-like illnesses (ILIs) than others, including Colorado, New York, Louisiana, and New Jersey, all of which CDC designated as having "high" ILI levels.

Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) said that at least 27 of the 38 countries in its European region have reported "high or very high influenza activity," with more than half of patients with flu-like symptoms testing positive in six countries.

So far this flu season, the dominant strain of the flu has been an H3N2 virus, according to CDC. For the week ending Dec. 6, 86% of influenza viruses reported by public health labs were H3N2.

Specifically, a new variant of H3N2, called H3N2 subclade K, has been the dominant flu strain within the United States. WHO said the new variant has accounted for up to 90% of confirmed flu cases in the European region but added there's no evidence the variant is causing more severe diseases.

How to stay safe this holiday season

According to the Automobile Association of America, more than 122 million Americans will be traveling during the 13-day holiday period this month, including more than 13 million in crowded trains, buses, and airplanes.

With flu rates rising across the country, physician Nina Shapiro offered tips in Forbes on how you can stay safe while traveling this holiday season:

• Get your flu shot: While this year's flu vaccine may not be as good of a match given the new variant circulating, WHO said early data from the United Kingdom confirmed the vaccine lowered the risk of severe illness from H3N2 and is "especially important for those at higher risk, including older persons, those with underlying conditions, pregnant women and children."
• Wash your hands with soap and water: After you're done washing your hands, dry them with either a clean towel or mechanical air dryer, Shapiro said, adding that hand sanitizer "holds a very distant second place" compared to washing your hands.
• Postpone travel if someone's sick: If you or your family members are sick, consider postponing holiday travel plans to avoid spreading viruses, Shapiro said.
• Use nasal saline: Using any brand and any form of nasal saline regularly during respiratory virus season has been shown to mechanically reduce viral load in the nose, which is where most respiratory pathogens start, Shapiro said. This has been shown to reduce incidence, severity, and duration of many viral infections.
• Maintain healthy routines: Make sure you're getting enough sleep, exercising, eating healthily, and minimizing your alcohol consumption this holiday season, Shapiro said.