GoTo Telemed, a nationwide integrated telehealth ecosystem serving over 10 million patients, today urged Americans to remain vigilant against influenza as the CDC classified the 2025–2026 flu season as a “high severity season for children,” with at least 143 pediatric deaths reported — 85% of whom were not fully vaccinated. Overall, the CDC estimates that at least 28 million to 49 million flu illnesses, 360,000 to 740,000 hospitalizations, and 22,000 to 74,000 deaths have occurred this season. Among influenza-positive specimens, 90.9% were influenza A, with 87.8% of subtyped A viruses identified as A(H3N2) — the strain responsible for much of this season’s severity.

Vaccine Effectiveness and Updated Formula

This season’s vaccine effectiveness was reduced to 25–30% for adults due to a mismatch with a dominant new H3N2 strain called subclade K, which emerged after the vaccine was formulated. Despite this, vaccination still reduced the risk of emergency department visits by 35% and hospitalizations by 27% overall, and 47% among children.

In response, the FDA’s Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee (VRBPAC) voted 9–0 to recommend updated vaccine formulas for the 2026–2027 season, specifically designed to target subclade K. In a landmark move, the panel also unanimously endorsed Moderna’s mRNA flu vaccine (mRNA-1010) for adults aged 50 and older, marking the first approval of an mRNA flu vaccine in the U.S.. In a study of 40,000 people aged 50 and older, Moderna’s mRNA vaccine reduced flu cases by about 27% compared to another routinely used vaccine.

CDC Urges Vaccination

The CDC continues to recommend annual influenza vaccination for all persons aged ≥6 months who do not have contraindications. Vaccination should ideally be offered during September or October, but should continue as long as influenza viruses are circulating.

Treatment Guidelines and Antiviral Therapy

For those who contract influenza, early antiviral treatment is critical. The World Health Organization conditionally recommends treatment with oseltamivir within 48 hours of symptom onset for severe illness, and baloxavir for patients at high risk of progression. The CDC emphasizes that flu antiviral drugs work best when started within 1–2 days after symptoms begin and should be taken for five days. Encouragingly, all tested A(H3N2) viruses, including subclade K, remained susceptible to oseltamivir, peramivir, zanamivir, and baloxavir.

“Influenza remains a serious public health threat, especially for children, older adults, and immunocompromised individuals,” said a GoTo Telemed spokesperson. “Through our secure platform, patients can access virtual consultations for flu evaluation, antiviral prescriptions, and vaccination guidance — all from the safety of home.”

GoTo Telemed offers same‑day virtual visits for flu symptoms, antiviral prescribing, and vaccine counseling. Patients are encouraged to schedule a consultation if they experience fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, or fatigue.
Media Contact:
GoTo Telemed Media Relations
[email protected]
(660) 628-1660
https://gototelemed.com/