Flu activity is climbing across California as health officials warn of rising cases and hospitalizations driven by a newly emerged influenza A strain, H3N2 subclade K. The California Department of Public Health reports that most influenza A samples subtyped this season are linked to the new strain, which is circulating globally. While the variant is considered highly contagious, state health agencies say current data does not show increased severity of symptoms.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that between 3,000 and 49,000 people die from influenza each year in the United States and continues to urge vaccination as the most effective protection against severe illness. Flu vaccines for the 2025–26 season are available for everyone 6 months and older, and the CDC recommends only single‑dose, thimerosal‑free formulations for children, pregnant women and adults. The FDA updated this year’s vaccine composition in March 2025 to better match circulating strains.
“Current seasonal flu vaccines remain effective at reducing severe illness and hospitalization, including the currently circulating viruses,” said Dr. Erica Pan, California Department of Public Health Director and State Public Health Officer. “It is important for families to know that flu vaccines, tests, and treatments remain widely available for all Californians and that it is not too late to get a flu vaccine. As a pediatrician, parent, and daughter, I have made sure that my own family is protected with this season’s flu vaccine."
Despite changes in federal recommendations, CDPH’s recommended vaccines will continue to be covered by health care insurers regulated by the State of California and can be received at your local pharmacy, from your health care provider, or through other authorized vaccine providers at no cost. To schedule your vaccine appointment, contact your health care provider, local pharmacy, or visit myturn.ca.gov.
Local health officials are echoing the call for vaccination. The Stanislaus County Health Services Agency says influenza remains a potentially serious respiratory illness that can lead to hospitalization or death, particularly among older adults, young children and people with chronic health conditions. SCHSA offers free or low‑cost flu vaccinations through its Public Health Immunization Clinic and at the Paradise Medical Office in Modesto, where immunizations are available on weekdays with sliding‑scale fees for uninsured residents. The agency notes that people experiencing flu symptoms this season may also be asked to take a COVID‑19 test and isolate while awaiting results, a precaution meant to reduce the spread of multiple respiratory viruses circulating at the same time.
In neighboring Merced County, Golden Valley Health Centers is running weekly flu‑shot clinics as part of its seasonal vaccination campaign. GVHC provides flu vaccines on Mondays at its Merced Medical Suites and on Wednesdays at both the Florida Suites in Merced and the Turlock Pediatrics clinic, offering accessible options for families who routinely travel between the two counties for medical care. The organization encourages residents to schedule appointments by calling or texting its main line.
As public health agencies push for vaccination, one Stanislaus County family is facing the devastating consequences of the virus. The community is rallying around the parents of Uriel Sanchez, a Hughson High School graduate who died Jan. 9 from flu‑related complications, according to a GoFundMe created to help cover funeral costs and other expenses. By last week, the fundraiser had collected $12,725 as friends, classmates and neighbors shared memories of the young man and offered support to his grieving family.
“Uriel was a hard worker, a loving friend, and a proud Hughson school alumni who always cared deeply for his family,” wrote organizer Maria G. Perez on the fundraising page. “His sudden passing has left everyone heartbroken. Laura and Lenin have always been there for others, offering kindness and support whenever someone was in need.”
State health officials continue to advise rapid testing for symptomatic patients and early antiviral treatment for high‑risk individuals, even before lab confirmation, due to the speed at which the virus is spreading. They also warn that flu, RSV and COVID‑19 may overlap this season, increasing the importance of vaccination and early care.
The GoFundMe for the Ramirez family can be found at https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-for-uriel-sanchezs-family.
Jeff Benziger contributed to this report.
