This year’s flu season is affecting the U.S. significantly harder than previous years. The U.S. Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) reports at least 24 million flu cases, 310,000 hospitalizations, and 20,000 deaths from influenza from October 1, 2025 to February 14, 2026. And, according to new data from the Evernorth Research Institute, more Americans are getting sick enough to seek prescription flu treatments much earlier in the season than before.
More people need flu treatment
By the end of December 2025, the number of people filling prescriptions for flu antiviral medications was 24% higher than the previous year, according to Evernorth’s analysis of pharmacy claims data for more than 28 million people during the current* and past flu seasons. “Increased use of antiviral medications is often a sign that people are getting sicker, and that has real consequences across the system,” said Amy Flaster, M.D., chief medical officer of The Cigna Group. “It can mean more time away from work for employees, higher costs for health plans, and additional pressure on clinicians, pharmacies, and hospitals when capacity is already stretched.”
Out of every 1M people in the U.S., 1,234 received antivirals in the last week of December 2025 (week 16), compared with 993 at the same time of the previous season.
Evernorth’s analysis of medical claims data shows that 1,065 hospitalizations for flu-related illnesses were observed at the end of January 2026, with an average length of stay of 1.9 days and a total cost of $22,537 per hospital admission.
Virtual care visits for flu symptoms are also growing. MD Live, Evernorth’s 24/7 online care service, reported more than a 400% increase in all flu-related appointments between November and December 2025. The flu accounted for about 9% of all virtual urgent care visits during that period.
Who is impacted most by the flu?
While the flu can affect anyone, some are being hit harder this season than others.
Children, especially those under age five, have the highest rates of flu antiviral medication use. Children ages 0-5 had the most prescriptions, with children and teens ages 6-17 having the second-highest amount over the 16 reported weeks of data. “These numbers show that younger people are getting sick from the flu more often and may even be experiencing stronger symptoms than adults,” Dr. Flaster said. “This trend not only impacts families, but workplaces as well. When young children fall ill, working parents often experience unexpected work interruptions as they juggle caregiving alongside their responsibilities. This underscores the importance of prevention and early care for younger populations.”
Geographically, the Southern areas of the U.S. continue to have the highest rate of prescription flu treatment (1,630 people per 1 million in week 16). However, this year, the Northeast and Midwest regions also saw significant jumps (71% and 68% increases, respectively) compared with the same time period last season. The sharp rises in antiviral use in these two regions really stand out, showing that flu cases are significantly increasing across much of the country.
Fewer people are getting vaccinated
Flu vaccinations across the U.S. have dropped by about 8% this season, with 134.59 million doses given as of January 24, 2026, compared to 146.22 million given at the same time last year, according to CDC data.
Source: CDC.
Evernorth’s claims analysis suggests that vaccination rates are highest among adults aged 65 and older, an age group that is more likely to have serious flu complications. However, vaccination rates drop steadily across all age groups as the season goes on.
People who live in communities with higher social needs – such as areas with higher levels of poverty or fewer resources – are getting vaccinated at much lower rates. People in “very high‑need” areas had an average vaccination rate of 3,905 people per 1 million, compared with 8,911 people per 1 million living in “low‑need” areas. The most recent week’s data indicated that people living in low‑need areas were 123% more likely to be vaccinated than those living in high‑need areas.
Level of social needs is measured by the Evernorth Social Determinants Index.
Steps to take this flu season
The Evernorth Research Institute’s recent findings highlight the importance of preventive measures during this flu season. “Flu vaccination remains the best way to protect yourself and others from severe illness and even potential hospitalization,” Dr. Flaster said. She added that vaccines are recommended for everyone 6 months and older, and are especially important for older adults, young children, and people with chronic conditions.
In fact, in 2025 The Cigna Group piloted a new program using AI-based phone reminders designed specifically to increase flu vaccination among targeted members. Preliminary results show that those who received and completed these calls had a higher rate of flu vaccinations (23.3%) compared to those that did not engage in these calls (15.2%), as well as to all members in the current (16.6%) and previous (19.8%) flu seasons overall.
Based on a pilot program where AI-powered reminder phone calls were made to more than 83,000 Cigna Healthcare members during the current flu season. Reported vaccinations based on Cigna Healthcare claims data.
Besides vaccinations, Dr. Flaster also recommends these simple steps to reduce the spread of flu:
- Practice good hygiene, including washing hands with soap and water, covering coughs and sneezes, and cleaning commonly touched surfaces.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick and stay home if you have flu symptoms.
- Seek care early if symptoms develop. Antiviral medications work best when used soon after symptoms begin and can help shorten illness time and prevent complications.
“Prevention and early care go hand in hand,” Dr. Flaster said. “Even with the flu season already underway, getting a flu shot and following these simple steps can still make a meaningful difference for individuals, families, and communities.”
*Evernorth’s analysis of the current 2025-2026 flu season is based on the first 16 weeks. Unless otherwise indicated, all results are averages of the 16-week period.
The Evernorth Pharmacy Vaccination Program makes sure plan members are covered when they get vaccinated at a pharmacy, and claims are processed through their pharmacy benefit.
