BOCA RATON, FL (BocaNewsNow.com) (Copyright © 2026 MetroDesk Media, LLC) — The spread of influenza in the state of Florida is among the worst in the nation. The Walgreens Flu Index rates Florida as a “10” on a scale from 0 to 10. The national average as of January 1st is 7.89.
Among the other states reaching a 10 for widespread flu and other respiratory illnesses: Colorado, Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Louisiana, Maine, Minnesota, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Tennessee, Utah, and Wisconsin.
Most medical professionals say you should ignore the absurdity of anti-vaxxers and get the flu shot — although it can take several days for the shot to become effective. If you already have the flu, it won’t help. It is recommended for everyone 6 months or older.
We note that while Florida having a tough time for influenza, COVID-19 is largely a non-issue. Florida’s COVID-19 score is just a .84 indicating minimal spread. The worst state in the nation for COVID spread as of January 1st is Indiana, with a 6.55. The best is Hawaii with a .60.
Here’s the official update from the CDC:
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>> Seasonal influenza activity is elevated and continues to increase across the country.
Sustained elevated activity is observed across multiple key activity indicators in all areas of the country. Severity indicators remain low at this time, but influenza activity is expected to continue for several weeks.
Five influenza-associated pediatric deaths were reported to CDC this week, bringing the 2025-2026 season total to eight reported flu-related pediatric deaths.
Influenza A(H3N2) viruses are the most frequently reported influenza viruses so far this season.
During Week 51, of the 2,086 influenza viruses reported by public health laboratories, 2,029 were influenza A and 57 were influenza B. Of the 1,627 influenza A viruses subtyped during Week 51, 134 (8.2%) were influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 and 1,493 (91.8%) were A(H3N2).
Among 275 influenza A(H3N2) viruses collected since September 28, 2025, that underwent additional genetic characterization at CDC, 89.5% belonged to subclade K.
CDC estimates that there have been at least 7,500,000 illnesses, 81,000 hospitalizations, and 3,100 deaths from flu so far this season.
CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older who has not yet been vaccinated this season get an annual influenza (flu) vaccine.1 Approximately 130 million doses of influenza vaccine have been distributed in the United States this season.
There are prescription flu antiviral drugs that can treat flu illness; those should be started as early as possible and are especially important for patients at higher risk for flu-related complications.
Influenza viruses are among several viruses contributing to respiratory disease activity. CDC provides updated, integrated information about COVID-19, flu, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) activity on a weekly basis.
No new avian influenza A(H5) infections were reported to CDC this week. To date, person-to-person transmission of influenza A(H5) viruses has not been identified in the United States. <<
