Texas is among a handful of states reporting the highest level of flu activity, according to the latest CDC data, mirroring a national surge tied to the so-called “super flu.”
Why it matters: An unprecedented rise in flu cases comes as other sicknesses — such as the “winter vomiting bug,” COVID and whooping cough — are slamming the U.S. this winter.
- Austin health officials reported a 58% increase in whooping cough cases by the end of 2025 compared to the previous year.
Between the lines: The rise also arrives as chaos has enveloped the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, with many questions about vaccination schedules for children.
Driving the news: There have been at least 15 million illnesses, 180,000 hospitalizations and 7,400 deaths from flu so far this season, per CDC data released Friday…