The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is urging residents to get their flu vaccinations, especially as influenza cases begin to rise in various regions across the United States, including Michigan. In a press release issued on December 2, the MDHHS emphasized the importance of taking proactive measures to protect oneself, family members, and the community, particularly with the holiday season approaching and travel activities increasing.
According to the announcement, vaccination is an essential method for preventing severe influenza illness. In support of National Influenza Vaccination Week, which occurs each December, the MDHHS strongly encourages those who are eligible to receive their flu shot.
Dr. Joshua Meyerson, medical director of District Health Department No. 4, remarked, "As flu activity begins to rise in our area, now is an excellent time to ensure you are safeguarded against influenza. Getting a flu shot annually is the most effective way to lower your risk of experiencing serious health issues related to the flu."
Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, Michigan's chief medical executive, added, "While the flu vaccine might not entirely prevent mild illnesses, research indicates it significantly decreases the risk of severe complications from influenza, including the need for hospitalization. Receiving a flu vaccine now is a smart strategy to enhance your immunity against influenza during the winter months, which typically see a surge in cases."
The MDHHS has noted that countries like the United Kingdom and Canada are facing an earlier and more intense onset of their flu seasons, mirroring trends seen in the U.S. In the UK, flu cases generally peak between late December and early February. They have observed a notable increase in cases starting in November, a trend that is expected to continue. As of November 9, the rate of positive flu tests in Michigan had risen to 13.3%, up from around 4% during the same period in 2024.
The recent influenza cases reported in the UK have primarily involved the H3N2 strain, with many samples indicating a new variant known as subclade K. The patterns observed in the UK may serve as indicators of potential influenza activity in the United States.
MDHHS explains that influenza viruses evolve over time, necessitating close monitoring by global health experts. Each year, the World Health Organization assesses circulating strains to inform the formulation of the seasonal flu vaccine. This year's vaccine was specifically designed to combat the H3N2 subclade J.2 strain, though a newer variant, subclade K, has since emerged.
Reports from hospitals in the UK have indicated an uptick in respiratory infections, which public health officials attribute in part to the rapid spread of subclade K. The H3N2 strain is known for causing more severe illness compared to the H1N1 subtype, and both strains typically circulate during flu season in Michigan.
Despite the emergence of this new variant, estimates regarding the effectiveness of the flu vaccine from the UK suggest that this season’s vaccine remains protective, reducing serious outcomes by preventing approximately 70-75% of flu-related hospital visits among children and around 30-40% among adults.
The MDHHS underscores the necessity of timely vaccination to guard against influenza and mitigate the severity of symptoms and overall health impacts.
Moreover, MDHHS refers to the Michigan Respiratory Virus Immunization Statewide Summary, which reveals alarmingly low influenza vaccine coverage in Michigan for the 2025-2026 season, sitting at just 18%. This figure translates to roughly one in six individuals being vaccinated, raising significant concerns about the potential for increased illness, emergency department visits, and hospitalizations, particularly given the rapid spread of the new influenza strain. The earlier onset of flu season implies that vulnerable groups who may not yet have received vaccinations face a heightened risk if they are exposed.
To provide context on the flu situation in Michigan:
- Over 33,000 hospitalizations due to influenza occurred between October 2024 and May 2025, with the peak reaching over 3,100 hospitalizations in February 2025.
- Emergency departments recorded nearly 8,600 visits related to influenza at the peak of the season, nearly double the number from the previous year.
- The 2024-2025 season saw 14 pediatric influenza deaths, marking the highest count since tracking began in 2004.
The MDHHS recommends that everyone aged six months and older should receive the annual flu vaccine. Additionally, individuals are encouraged to practice other preventative measures, such as staying home when ill, properly covering coughs and sneezes, washing hands frequently, and ensuring proper indoor ventilation to help curb the spread of influenza and other respiratory diseases.
For further details about statewide influenza trends, vaccine availability, and tips on how to remain protected throughout the flu season, please visit Michigan.gov/COVIDFLURSV.
