Flu & COVID-19 Cases Rise Again in the US: January 2026 Update – NRI Focus – January 22, 2026
Welcome to your go-to platform for Global Indian News, NRI Updates, US Health Alerts for Indians Abroad, visa tips, family safety, and diaspora wellness. As Non-Resident Indians (NRIs), students, professionals, and families in the US navigate winter amid busy work schedules, university terms, and family visits from India, respiratory illnesses like flu and COVID-19 are surging again. Here’s the latest CDC-tracked update for January 2026 (data through mid-January, Week 1 ending January 10, 2026), with key implications for the Indian community.
Flu Season: Severe Surge Peaking, But Still High – Signs of Decline in Many Areas
The 2025–2026 flu season has been particularly tough, fueled by a new influenza A (H3N2) subclade K variant with reduced vaccine match. Post-holiday travel drove a sharp spike, hitting record levels in states like New York (highest weekly cases ever) and Colorado. Many NRIs in Midwest, Northeast, and South states reported heavy impacts on households and workplaces.
Latest CDC Flu Highlights (Week Ending January 10, 2026):
- Outpatient visits for flu-like illness (ILI): 5.3% (down from 7.2% prior week; still above baseline for 6+ weeks).
- Positive flu tests: 18.6% (down from 24.7%).
- Hospitalizations: Rate at 8.4 per 100,000 (down from 12.2); season total ~230,000 hospitalizations, 18 million illnesses, 9,300 deaths (including 32 pediatric, mostly unvaccinated).
- Activity trend: Elevated nationally, but decreasing or stable for two weeks—possible peak passed in many regions, though some states may see lingering or second waves.
- Geographic spread: 36 jurisdictions at high/very high activity (down from 45); widespread in most states.
NRI relevance: Indian students (especially in high-activity areas like universities in NY, IL, CA, TX) and H-1B professionals face higher risks of missing classes/work or spreading to family. Many report symptoms overlapping with travel fatigue from India visits. Vaccination gaps remain common in diaspora communities—get your flu shot if eligible!
COVID-19: Low Overall, But Gradually Increasing in Parts of the US
COVID levels remain lower than flu this winter, but early signs of rise appear, particularly in Midwest and Northeast—areas with large Indian populations (e.g., NJ, IL, CA tech hubs).
Key CDC COVID Stats (Recent Weeks):
- Test positivity: ~5.2% (slight uptick).
- ED visits for COVID: Low nationally (~0.79%), but increasing from very low baselines.
- Effective reproduction number (Rt): ~0.85 nationally (declining overall); infections growing in only 2 states, declining in 39.
- Wastewater: Moderate for COVID nationally.
- Trend: Low but increasing; no major variant surge yet, but holiday gatherings/travel could fuel gradual rise.
For NRIs: Older parents visiting on tourist visas or NRIs 65+ are at higher risk for severe outcomes. Many in IT/finance sectors report mild cases disrupting productivity. Updated boosters are crucial—especially with potential family travel from India.
RSV & Overall Respiratory Picture: Triple Threat Persists
- RSV: Elevated in many areas, hitting young children/infants hardest (high ED/hospitalizations for under-5s); declining nationally but still concerning for NRI families with toddlers.
- Combined viruses: Moderate acute respiratory illness nationally; flu dominates, but overlap strains healthcare and increases absenteeism.
- Hospital impact: Flu ~3.3% of inpatient beds; combined pressure in high-activity states.
NRI-Specific Tips & Precautions:
- If in the US: Mask in crowded places (airports, offices, temples/events), test early if symptomatic, stay home if sick—protect elderly relatives or young kids.
- For visitors from India: Delay non-essential travel if high-risk; carry medications, monitor symptoms post-flight.
- Vaccination & Care: Flu & updated COVID shots highly recommended (free/low-cost at many pharmacies/clinics). NRIs often overlook due to busy schedules—prioritize!
- Community impact: Remittances, family support, and return plans can be affected by prolonged illness—stay proactive.
- Resources: Check CDC Respiratory Viruses Data Channel; local Indian associations often share health drives.
This January 2026 season shows a tough but potentially turning point—flu declining after holiday peak, COVID edging up modestly. For tailored US health updates for NRIs, visa/immigration news, remittance tips, and more, stay with www.nriglobe.com.
Have you or your family faced flu/COVID this winter? Share experiences in the comments! Subscribe for alerts and stay safe. Jai Hind!
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