If it feels like everyone has been sick lately… you’re not imagining it. Across the United States, flu and respiratory illnesses have surged this season, raising concerns about severity, new variants, and why people seem to be getting hit harder than usual. Let’s break down what’s actually happening—and what you need to understand. A Season That Got Everyone’s Attention The 2025–2026 flu season has been anything but mild. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimat