Flu surges nationwide, prompting urgent vaccination efforts. Influenza, a virus causing mild to severe illness, is back in the spotlight.
As of early October 2025, the Stratus COVID-19 variant (XFG and XFG.3) has become dominant in the US, causing persistent respiratory symptoms but no increased severity. Meanwhile, Japan faces an unusually early and rapid influenza epidemic, with hospitals filling and schools closing. Experts urge vaccination and hygiene to mitigate these overlapping respiratory threats.
Multiple infectious diseases are spreading globally, with recent outbreaks of mpox in Europe and the US, severe influenza in Hong Kong and Australia, and early flu surges in Japan. Authorities emphasize vaccination and hygiene to mitigate impacts amid evolving virus strains and rising case numbers.