Florida Flu Activity Surges in Early 2026

Flu Activity Week 53: December 28, 2025–January 3, 2026. Credit: Florida Department of Health

TALLAHASSEE, Florida – Florida is seeing a sharp rise in influenza activity as the new year begins, with increased emergency department visits for flu-like symptoms and outbreaks in several counties.

The Florida Department of Health‘s surveillance report for the week ending January 3, 2026 (MMWR Week 53), shows elevated trends in illnesses, hospitalizations, and lab-confirmed cases, mainly from Influenza A H3.

Overall flu activity has intensified compared to the prior three-week average. Emergency department (ED) visits for influenza and influenza-like illness (ILI) have climbed, per data from ESSENCE-FL, which covers 373 facilities statewide. ILINet outpatient providers also reported more ILI cases.

Regionally, surges occurred in the Northeast, Central West, Central East, and Southwest, while the Northwest and North Central saw declines. The Southeast remained stable.

Since Week 40 of the 2025-26 season, flu hospitalization rates reached 105.3 per 100,000 population—lower than last season’s 390.1 but higher than 2022-23 (171.6) and 2023-24 (264.6). Seniors 65+ are most affected at 390.1 per 100,000, followed by adults 18-65 at 83.0 and those under 18 at 21.5.

Flu-related deaths stand at 1.6 per 100,000, exceeding recent seasons. One unvaccinated pediatric death was reported, without underlying conditions.

Seven new outbreaks hit Escambia, Flagler, Indian River, Polk, Seminole, St. Johns, and St. Lucie counties, mostly in schools, daycares, and long-term care facilities.

Lab tests show rising positivity, with Influenza A dominant (13,052 cases, mostly H3 at 7,091). Influenza B follows at 7,092 cases.