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CALIFORNIA, January 14, 2026 – A notably stubborn strain of influenza, dubbed the “super flu” for its prolonged duration and high transmissibility, is making the rounds in California, leaving many feeling significantly unwell.
Lingering Illnesses and Rising Cases
Doctors report this flu strain causes more intense and longer-lasting symptoms than typical seasonal influenza.
“It really seems to last a long time,” said Dr. Monica Gandhi of UCSF. “People are pretty uncomfortable – fevers,chills,body aches,cough. Everyone knows someone who’s sick.” The illness is proving especially draining, with patients experiencing a constellation of unpleasant symptoms.
What’s the best way to protect yourself from the flu this season? Vaccination remains the most effective tool, even if the current strain isn’t a perfect match for the vaccine, as it can lessen the severity of illness.
Doctors are observing lower vaccination rates this flu season, increasing the risk of severe illness. Getting vaccinated, even late in the season, is still recommended to protect against other strains and reduce the chance of hospitalization.
While the flu is currently at moderate levels across California, the Bay Area is experiencing a high test positivity rate, indicating widespread activity. dr. Rob Assibey at STAT MED Urgent Care in Concord has noted a substantial increase in patients presenting with flu-like symptoms.
Did you know?-Influenza viruses constantly evolve, which is why a new vaccine is developed each year. The goal is to predict the dominant strains and provide the best possible protection.
“This year we have a lot of patients with upper respiratory symptoms – cough,cold,congestion,high fevers,” Dr. Assibey explained. “A lot of them are coming back with influenza A, and it truly seems to be affecting them quite significantly.”
Notably, those who have received the flu vaccine are generally experiencing milder symptoms. “The patients that are more severe and end up hospitalized are usually the ones that are unvaccinated,” Dr. Assibey added.
Dr. Gandhi also pointed out that this strain has been circulating on the East Coast before appearing in California. “Importantly and unluckily it may not be covered by the current flu vaccine,” she said. “We’ve been seeing a lot of this in the east Coast and looks like it’s now coming here to California.”
Pro tip-Practice good hygiene to limit spread. Frequent handwashing, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home when sick are crucial steps in preventing the flu’s transmission.
The “super flu” originated on the East coast in late 2025,initially appearing in several states including New York and Massachusetts. The virus, a novel strain of influenza A, quickly gained traction due to its unusually long incubation period and high rate of transmission. Health officials believe the initial spread was fueled by holiday travel. By january 2026, the strain had crossed the country, establishing a significant presence in California.
The outbreak began to subside in late February 2026 as warmer weather arrived and vaccination rates slowly increased. Pharmaceutical companies began working on a booster vaccine specifically targeting the new strain, which became available in March 2026. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) declared the outbreak officially over in April 2026, though sporadic cases continued to be reported throughout the spring.
Reader question-What are your thoughts on the effectiveness of masks in preventing the spread of this flu strain? Share your experiences and opinions.
As of April 30, 2026, the California Department
