As the winter months approach, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is sounding the alarm about rising flu activity in the state and across the nation. Their recent press release from December 2 highlights the importance of taking precautionary measures to safeguard not only oneself but also family members and the broader community as we enter the holiday season filled with travel and gatherings.
Vaccination is emphasized as a crucial strategy for preventing severe influenza illnesses. In conjunction with National Influenza Vaccination Week, celebrated each December, MDHHS is urging residents who are eligible to receive their flu shots as soon as possible.
Dr. Joshua Meyerson, the medical director of District Health Department No. 4, stated, "With flu cases on the rise in our region, now is the ideal time to ensure you’re protected from influenza. Receiving an annual flu shot significantly lowers your risk of experiencing serious health complications from the virus."
Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, Michigan's chief medical executive, reiterated the vaccine's role in mitigating severe outcomes. She noted, "While the flu vaccine may not completely prevent mild cases of the illness, evidence shows it effectively decreases the chances of severe complications, including hospitalizations. Getting vaccinated now can enhance your immunity against the flu during the colder months when case numbers often surge."
The MDHHS release points out that countries such as the United Kingdom and Canada are witnessing an earlier and more intense onset of flu season, which may mirror trends in the U.S. Typically, flu cases in the UK peak between late December and early February. This year, however, there has been a noticeable spike in November, leading health officials to anticipate that numbers will continue to climb.
The percentage of positive flu tests has also risen significantly, reaching 13.3% as of November 9—a stark increase compared to the approximate 4% recorded at the same time last year. The current flu cases in the UK are primarily attributed to the H3N2 strain, specifically a new variant known as subclade K, which has raised concerns among public health experts given its rapid spread.
According to MDHHS, influenza viruses constantly evolve, making it essential for global health authorities to monitor them closely. Each year, the World Health Organization assesses circulating strains to inform the formulation of the seasonal flu vaccine.
This year's vaccine provides protection against the H3N2 strain termed subclade J.2. However, the emergence of the newer subclade K variant has prompted increased vigilance.
Hospitals in the UK have reported an uptick in respiratory infections, which public health officials attribute partly to the efficient transmission of the subclade K variant. Notably, the H3N2 strain generally results in more severe illness compared to the H1N1 subtype, and Michigan typically sees both strains circulating during the flu season.
Despite the introduction of this new variant, preliminary effectiveness data from the UK indicates that this season’s flu vaccine still offers significant protection. Estimates suggest it can prevent 70-75% of flu-related hospital admissions in children and 30-40% in adults.
Given these findings, MDHHS strongly advocates for timely vaccinations to shield individuals from influenza and lessen the severity of symptoms and outcomes associated with the virus.
The vaccination coverage in Michigan for the 2025-2026 flu season is alarmingly low, currently sitting at just 18%. This statistic implies that only about one in six residents is adequately protected, which raises substantial concerns regarding the potential for increased illness, emergency room visits, and hospital admissions, particularly with the new strain spreading rapidly. The earlier onset of the flu season additionally heightens the risk for vulnerable populations who may not have been vaccinated yet.
MDHHS has shared some sobering statistics regarding influenza in Michigan:
— Over 33,000 hospitalizations were recorded from October 2024 through May 2025, with a peak of more than 3,100 weekly hospitalizations in February 2025.
— Emergency departments experienced nearly 8,600 visits related to influenza at the height of the season, nearly double the amount from the previous year.
— The 2024-2025 flu season saw 14 pediatric deaths due to influenza—the highest figure since the state began tracking pediatric flu mortality in 2004.
To combat the spread of influenza and other respiratory illnesses, MDHHS recommends that everyone aged six months and older receive an annual flu vaccine. Additional preventive measures include staying home when ill, covering coughs and sneezes properly, frequent hand washing, and ensuring good ventilation indoors.
For further details about flu trends across Michigan, vaccine availability, and tips for staying safe throughout the flu season, visit Michigan.gov/COVIDFLURSV.
