1/12/2026

UPPER MICHIGAN - Michigan’s flu activity hit “very high” levels, mirroring a national surge with “record-setting” hospital volumes. Michigan’s flu-like visits at 11.3% exceeded the national average at 8.2%. Hospitalizations are rising nationwide, driven by Influenza A (H3N2), especially among seniors and young children. Nationally, estimates project at least 11 million illnesses, 120,000 hospitalizations, and 5,000 deaths, including nine children, though Michigan has reported no pediatric flu deaths. COVID-19 and RSV also showed small increases. Doctors emphasize vaccination, hand hygiene, covering coughs, and staying home when sick. As of the end of December, only 24% of Michiganders had the flu shot and 8.3% had the latest COVID-19 booster.