Every winter, without fail, people nationwide suffer from Influenza (the flu). Due to high rates of traveling during the holidays, and oftentimes, lack of proper hygienic care, the virus inevitably spreads around the world in numbers that appear to be higher than in years prior. 

As of 2026, and late December of 2025, medical researchers have found that this season of the flu has led to the highest number of cases in 30 years.  Because of the severity and longevity of the virus, it’s been coined with the new term “Super Flu”. And while the Flu didn’t actually get “super” strength, it learned how to adapt and mutate, creating new and more harmful strains like Subclade K, which is a mutation of Influenza A. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says to look out for symptoms such as a runny nose, cough, sore throat, headache, body aches, and tiredness. Fever is a big indicator of illness, but if one doesn’t have it, it’s still very likely, with the other symptoms that a person has been infected with Influenza. 

How to Prevent Contact with the Flu

The CDC urges people, specifically children and older adults with a lower immune system, to get the Flu vaccination as the virus has already caused around 7,400 deaths and has hospitalized over 180,000 people (CDC). The CDC also reported 15 million cases, with more to be expected. Getting the vaccine will keep not only the person getting it safe, but those around who come in contact with them away from the Flu too.  Proper hygiene, like washing hands for 15-20 seconds, is another way to prevent spreading. Being extra aware of what is entering your body, like if someone were drinking out of your straw, make sure the caution is there, and nobody is unknowingly spreading germs.