What to Know About Michigan’s Recent “Super Flu” Surge
Blue Daily
| 4 min read
Cases of the flu tend to uptick around the holidays and into January, but Michigan is seeing a significant surge in cases right now as this year’s flu season hits harder than usual.
As of Jan. 5, 818 people were hospitalized with the flu in Michigan, according to the Michigan Health & Hospital Association (MHA). That’s twice as many hospitalizations as this time last year. Here’s what you need to know about this specific strain and safeguarding measures you can take as flu season continues.
Why is the flu so bad right now?
The current surge of flu cases is likely driven by a new strain of the flu called H3N2 Subclade K. Health experts are calling this strain the “super flu.” Vulnerable populations are being hit especially hard, according to the MHA, which states that:
- Adults 75 and older make up the majority of hospitalizations
- Children ages 4 and under have the next highest hospitalization rate
The uptick in cases is putting pressure on hospitals; at the Henry Ford Health system, flu positivity rates have been above 25% for three straight weeks, peaking at 33% just before the end of December.
Vaccination rates are still low
Despite the rise in cases, vaccination rates in Michigan remain low. Only about 2.4 million Michiganders — fewer than one in four — have received a flu shot, and fewer than one in 10 are vaccinated against COVID
That gap is significant because vaccination remains one of the most effective measures we have to reducing hospitalizations and severe illness, especially during one of the worst flu seasons in recent years.
A quick refresher: signs, symptoms and the typical duration of flu season
Influenza, or the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It infects the nose, throat and sometimes the lungs. The virus can spread easily through tiny droplets released when someone coughs, sneezes or talks. It can be transmitted when people touch contaminated surfaces – such as a keyboard or doorknob – and then touch their eyes, nose or mouth.
People can spread the flu about a day before symptoms appear and up to five to seven days after they start, which is why it moves so quickly through families, schools and workplaces.
Symptoms can be mild or severe and may include:
- Fever
- Cough
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Extreme fatigue
- Sweating and chills
- Nausea or diarrhea (more common in children)
Flu season typically runs from October through May.
How common is the flu?
Globally, the World Health Organization estimates about 1 billion cases of seasonal influenza every year. The goal for the 2025–2026 flu season in Michigan is to vaccinate 4 million people.
Flu vaccines prevented an estimated 240,000 hospitalizations during the 2024–2025 flu season – according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) especially among adults age 65 and older.
Why getting a flu shot matters
The flu shot isn’t just about avoiding a few miserable days in bed — it can be lifesaving, for you and others around you. Research indicates that getting vaccinated can:
- Reduce doctor visits by 40 to 60%
- Reduce the risk of death from flu by about 30%
- Significantly lower hospitalization risk
Getting vaccinated is especially important if you’re at higher risk for complications. People in these populations include:
- Adults 65 and older
- Children under 2 years old
- Pregnant women
- People living in nursing homes or long-term care facilities
How and where to get your flu shot
There are plenty of easy ways to get vaccinated. Visiting a participating pharmacy is one way, and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan members who do so can bring their member ID. You can also get a flu shot by:
- Scheduling an appointment with your primary care provider
- Attending a community clinic or free flu shot event
- Using vaccinefinder.org to find a location near you
Tips to stop the super flu spread
Vaccination is key, but your everyday habits can help reduce the spread of the flu, too. You can lower your risk of infection by:
- Avoiding close contact with people who are sick
- Avoiding crowded or poorly ventilated spaces
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
- Covering coughs and sneezes with your elbow or a tissue
- Keeping some distance when gathering indoors
- Using hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol
- Washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
- Wearing a mask in crowded indoor public spaces
If you do get sick, the best thing you can do to protect others is stay home. Wait until your fever has been gone for at least 24 hours before returning to work, school or public places. Consider checking with your primary care provider if you are exposed to see if you are a good candidate for certain antiviral medications that can reduce the severity and duration of a flu infection if taken with 48 hours of symptom onset.
For more information about the flu, prevention tips, and vaccination resources, visit MiBlueDaily.com.
Photo credit: Getty Images
