Infectious disease
Flu activity, state by state
Hawaii, Florida and Louisiana are reporting the highest percent of influenza-like illnesses, according to Becker's Hospital Review.
Flu activity is arriving early, and Hawaii, Florida and Louisiana are reporting the highest percent of influenza-like illnesses, Becker's Hospital Review reported. The report defines influenza-like illness, or ILI, as a fever of 100 degrees or greater along with a cough and/or sore throat. According to Becker's, the CDC collects data on outpatient visits to healthcare providers for respiratory illness.
NBC News reported that the 2026 flu season is starting far earlier than expected. Its segment with medical contributor Dr. Natalie Azar discusses what is driving the surge, why teenagers are being hit especially hard and what the activity may signal for the rest of the flu and cold season. It did not provide details on teen case numbers or the state-by-state ILI percentages.
