SALT LAKE CITY — The 2025-26 Flu Season Updates

The current flu season is shaping up to be significant. In Utah, as across the nation, a noticeable increase in flu cases and hospitalizations is being reported.

During a press conference on Wednesday, Dr. Andrew Pavia, a pediatric infectious disease expert at the University of Utah Health and Primary Children’s Hospital, shared some concerning statistics from the Utah Department of Health. He highlighted that about 4% of outpatient visits are linked to influenza-like illnesses.

“That’s a high number, but it’s also worrying that the hospitalization rate is elevated, with 8.42 hospitalizations per 100,000 people,” he stated. This number suggests that the current flu season is either at or just slightly exceeding last year’s harsh peak.

The age group most susceptible to the flu includes individuals aged 65 and over, as well as children under four, as noted by Pavia.

“Recently, I’ve seen some really severe cases of influenza in children,” he continued, referring to instances where young patients required advanced life support.

Interestingly, he emphasized that nearly all of those hospitalized with significant complications had not received the flu vaccine.

On a national scale, flu cases surged during the holidays, exceeding the previous winter epidemic figures. According to the Centers for Disease Control, there have been around 11 million cases of the flu this season, resulting in 120,000 hospitalizations and 5,000 deaths.

In Utah, circulating strains include A H3N2 subclade K and influenza B H1N1. Pavia explained that the H3N2 strain appeared after the vaccine production began, making it less aligned with the current vaccine formula. However, data indicates that the vaccine can still help prevent hospitalizations and severe illness.

Addressing concerns about the so-called “super-flu,” Pavia clarified that nothing inherent about the circulating strain makes it unusually potent, although the vaccine’s effectiveness is not as strong as hoped.

Several antiviral treatments, like Tamiflu and Zofluza, are available and recommended for high-risk individuals, particularly within the first two days of showing flu-like symptoms.

Symptoms typically arise suddenly and can lead to severe complications, as explained by the CDC. Here are some common signs:

• Fever
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle or body aches
• Headaches
• Fatigue

While vomiting and diarrhea may also occur, they are more frequent in children than adults. Most people recover from the flu within a few days to under two weeks, although some may experience serious complications which could be life-threatening.

Home tests for influenza, similar to COVID-19 tests, are now available, offering an option for those who might struggle to get to clinics. Ultimately, health experts recommend individuals get their flu vaccination between late August and late October for about five months of protection, ideally covering the peak flu season.

“Don’t delay. It’s better to get vaccinated early than wait until the last minute, as you might forget and be unprepared when the flu hits,” Pavia advised.