The United States is experiencing a 'moderately severe' influenza season for 2025-2026, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting a significant toll so far. As of the latest CDC FluView report for the week ending January 3, 2026, estimated flu-related illnesses have reached at least 15 million, with 180,000 hospitalizations and 7,400 deaths nationwide. Earlier in the season, around the week ending December 27, 2025, the CDC had estimated at least 5,000 deaths. The original article from The Economic Times, published on January 6, 2026, accurately reflected this earlier estimate of 5,000 deaths at the time of its publication. However, the phrasing "warns CDC" might have been slightly imprecise, as the CDC was reporting current estimated fatalities rather than issuing a forward-looking warning of a specific total for the entire season. The dominant strain circulating is Influenza A(H3N2), specifically a new variant identified as subclade K, which has shown some antigenic drift compared to the vaccine component. This potential mismatch, combined with factors like holiday travel and lower vaccination rates, is believed to be contributing to the surge in cases. Flu activity remains elevated across the country and is projected to continue for several more weeks. Public health officials continue to urge vaccination for everyone six months and older, as well as the use of antiviral drugs for high-risk individuals.