Flu season isn’t over yet: Ways to stay well
February 3, 2026
If this flu season feels more intense than usual, you’re not imagining things. In North Texas and across the country, flu activity has remained high well into winter, with hospitalization rates at their highest level in more than a decade.
According to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the 2025-26 flu season is shaping up to be the most severe season since 2010-11.
One reason for this surge is subclade K, a mutated form of H3N2, a common strain of influenza that has circulated for many years. Subclade K is the most dominant flu strain this season, accounting for about 90% of flu cases in the U.S.
Viruses change constantly, and this year’s flu vaccine isn’t a perfect match for subclade K. But that doesn’t mean the vaccine doesn’t work, and getting vaccinated can be lifesaving in a tough flu season like this year’s.
The flu vaccine works – even late in the season
The holy grail of flu vaccines would block every single infection. Unfortunately, we haven’t found that yet. What the flu vaccine does do very well is to prevent severe illness, including hospitalization and death.
This season, we’re seeing a clear pattern. Severe flu outcomes are far more common among people who were not vaccinated. In children, nearly 90% of flu-related deaths have occurred in those who were unvaccinated.
Even when the vaccine doesn’t prevent illness entirely, it significantly reduces how sick you become. This benefits everyone but is especially important for older adults, young children, pregnant people, and anyone with chronic medical conditions.
If you haven’t gotten a flu shot yet, it’s not too late. Flu season often stretches into March or April, and we often see a second or even third wave of infections. Getting vaccinated now can still offer meaningful protection for the rest of the season.
If you already got your flu shot earlier in the fall, there’s no need for another dose. One is enough to cover you for the season.
Related: Flu, COVID, and RSV vaccines: Who should get them and when
Know flu symptoms and when to call the doctor
Influenza tends to come on suddenly. Many people describe feeling fine one day and then completely wiped out the next. Common flu symptoms include:
For more information, visit Children’s Health Infectious Diseases. Call 214-465-6500 to request an appointment.
- Fever or chills
- Sore throat
- Severe fatigue and body aches
- Headache
- Persistent cough that can linger even after other symptoms improve
Given how much flu is circulating, if you develop flu-like symptoms, it’s very likely you have the flu. In many cases, testing isn’t even necessary.
This is when calling your doctor matters. Antiviral prescription medications such as Tamiflu are still highly effective against subclade K and other circulating strains, but they work best when started early, ideally within the first 48 hours of symptoms.
If you start feeling sick, don’t “wait it out” – call the doctor’s office for next steps.
Related: Unmasking the mysteries of the flu
Simple ways to lower your risk of getting the flu
While vaccination is the most effective tool we have, everyday habits still play an important role in slowing the spread of flu. Protect yourself and others by:
- Staying home when you’re sick
- Washing your hands frequently
- Covering coughs and sneezes
- Avoiding close contact with vulnerable people if you’re ill
- Considering a mask in crowded indoor spaces during peak flu activity
- Using caution with home remedies and supplements
- Eating nutritious foods and staying hydrated
These steps are especially important if someone in your household is sick.
Take control of your respiratory health
The flu season is unpredictable. We often don’t know we’ve reached the peak until we’re already past it. While cases may be stabilizing in some regions, flu activity could continue for weeks or possibly months.
What is predictable is that your actions matter.
Taking power over your health starts with informed decisions — and it’s never too late to make them. Get vaccinated, recognize symptoms early, call your doctor promptly, and take simple preventive steps to reduce your risk of severe illness. We can’t eliminate flu entirely, but we can influence how hard it hits us and the people we care about.
To talk with an expert about potential flu symptoms, make an appointment for your child by calling 214-465-6500 or request an appointment online. For adults, call 214-645-8300 or request an appointment online.
