Jenny BlairFever, cough, and sore throat have been running rampant across the U.S. The number of influenza (flu) infections climbed high in early January, and the flu has killed nearly 10,000 people as of this writing. COVID is also in a surge. Montpelier’s wastewater is currently showing high levels of both viruses, according to WastewaterSCAN. Respiratory syncytial virus, which can cause respiratory symptoms, has also recently jumped slightly in central Vermont.
Levels of influenza-like illness (ILI) — a catch-all term referring to fever, cough, and sore throat — are at record highs, according to public health scientist Jess Steier, who wrote in the newsletter Your Local Epidemiologist that ILI numbers are the highest they have been since 1997–98, and the highest since the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) began keeping track. As of Jan. 10 about 1 in 20 visits to a doctor was for influenza-like illness, according to the CDC. Updates appear at cdc.gov/fluview/surveillance.
This year’s dominant strain, influenza A (H3N2) is particularly severe, presenting with sudden symptoms, sometimes including fatigue or weakness, or vomiting and diarrhea among children. Older people and children are at highest risk, and some 9,300 flu deaths have occurred, including 32 children, as of Jan. 10, 2026 according to the CDC. Ninety percent of those children had not been vaccinated against the flu.
Vaccination Reduces Risks
Flu and COVID shots remain available and helpful. Despite not being a close match for this year’s strain, the 2025–2026 flu vaccine can still cut the chances of landing in the hospital or dying. The shot helps even if you’ve already gotten the flu.
Until the CDC’s recent, widely criticized change in recommendations, the flu shot was recommended for most everyone aged 6 months and older. The CDC now recommends the flu and COVID shots for high-risk people or through shared decision-making with a health care provider. Insurance still covers both vaccines, according to AHIP, the health insurance industry’s national trade association.
What to do About the Flu
Prescription antivirals against influenza, such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu) can reduce how long you are sick by about a day. To be most effective, they need to be started within 24 to 48 hours after symptoms begin.
Antivirals against COVID are also available, including nirmatrelvir with ritonavir (Paxlovid). They should be begun within five days of symptoms and preferably sooner. Information on these treatments is available at treatments.hhs.gov or by calling 1-800-232-0233 (TTY 1-888-720-7489).
Some symptoms of either illness can linger for weeks or longer — long COVID continues to affect some people infected with coronavirus, but flu symptoms can also be long-lasting. People should aim for a gradual rather than abrupt return to their normal routines while recovering, according to Jesse Pines, a physician writing Jan. 11 in Forbes.
Staving Off Illness
In addition to getting vaccinated, you can reduce your risk of respiratory infections with a number of tactics. Reduce your exposure to crowds and sick people, improve indoor ventilation, wear a close-fitting N95 or KN95 respirator mask, wash your hands, and avoid getting run down as best you can. If you feel sick, protect others by staying home if possible and wearing a mask around people. Remember, too, that people can and do spread respiratory infections even when they have no symptoms.
