(MICHIGAN) - Michigan is experiencing its most severe flu season in 25 years, with health officials warning that cases, hospitalizations and pediatric deaths have surged to alarming levels.
The spike is being driven largely by a powerful new strain of Influenza A (H3N2), known as Subclade K and sometimes referred to as the "super flu." Health officials say hospitalizations linked to influenza are running at twice last year's levels, placing intense pressure on emergency rooms and intensive care units statewide.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has placed Michigan at its highest flu activity alert level. Federal data show the virus is hitting children particularly hard: of the 17 pediatric flu deaths reported nationwide so far this season, eight have occurred in Michigan.
State Chief Medical Executive Natasha Bagdasarian said vaccination rates remain a major concern. According to state health officials, only 24% of Michigan residents have received a flu shot for the 2025-26 season.
With flu-like illness widespread across the state, public health leaders are urging residents to get vaccinated, stay home when sick, and seek medical care early if symptoms worsen. Hospitals continue to prepare for sustained high patient volumes as the flu season progresses.