By Speakin’ Out News Staff
MONTGOMERY, Ala. — As Alabama moves deeper into the 2025–2026 winter respiratory illness season, state health officials report that influenza, particularly a new H3N2 subclade K variant, is fueling a surge in cases and emergency room visits across the state.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the H3N2 subtype remains dominant nationally this season — and nearly 90 percent of recent flu virus samples are the new subclade K variant, a mutated form of influenza A that emerged after the current flu vaccine was formulated. This genetic drift has raised concerns about the overall effectiveness of the shot, though vaccination still offers protection against severe outcomes.
Locally, the Alabama Department of Public Health’s surveillance data show a sharp rise in emergency department visits for respiratory illnesses, with flu accounting for most of the increase. Between mid-December and late December, viral respiratory disease-related emergency visits statewide more than tripled — jumping from just over 1 percent to more than 6 percent of all ER visits. Health officials say flu activity remains high and has yet to peak.
Doctors at Children’s of Alabama report increasing flu and RSV cases among pediatric patients, underscoring the broad impact of respiratory viruses this season. “We have seen an uptick in flu and respiratory illness,” said one infection prevention official, urging parents to practice good hygiene and vaccination.
National surveillance data — which reflect broader trends affecting Alabama — show this flu season has already caused millions of illnesses, tens of thousands of hospitalizations, and hundreds of deaths, with influenza-like illness measures among the highest recorded in recent years.
With flu activity remaining widespread and COVID-19 and RSV still circulating, health officials are urging all Alabamians to get vaccinated, stay home when sick, and talk to doctors about antiviral treatment, especially for high-risk groups.
