Maine Seasonal Influenza 2024-2026

[Commonground]

Seasonal Influenza Activity Remains Elevated in Maine

Feb 26, 2025

It's not too late to vaccinate, take steps to prevent illness

AUGUSTA-- Influenza (flu) activity remains high across Maine with hospitals admitting over 900 individuals so far this season. The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) encourages everyone to take steps to protect themselves and others from getting sick.

People with flu often experience fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle aches, and fatigue. Certain groups face a higher risk of developing severe illness and hospitalization, including:

• adults 65 years and older
• people with certain chronic medical conditions (e.g. asthma, diabetes, or heart disease)
• pregnant people
• children younger than 5 years (particularly those under 2 years old)

Recent data indicate that one in 10 emergency department visits in Maine are related to flu-like illness. Last week marked the fourth consecutive week with more than 100 flu-related hospital admissions in Maine. Additionally, the Maine CDC has reported 42 flu-related deaths and 109 flu outbreaks so far this season.

...https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/news/seas...-02262025-1200

[Commonground]

Seasonal Influenza Activity Increasing in Maine

Dec 19, 2025

It's not too late to vaccinate, take steps to prevent illness

AUGUSTA-- The Department of Health and Human Services' (DHHS') Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (Maine CDC) urges Mainers to take steps to protect their health as influenza (flu) activity begins to rise across Maine.

Recent data (PDF) show an increase in emergency department visits for flu-like illness and a marked rise in hospitalizations. So far this season, there have been a total of 62 hospitalizations due to influenza, with 27 reported last week alone.

Vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent flu or from becoming severely ill from the virus and its complications. It is not too late to receive a flu shot this season. Annual flu vaccination can help reduce the risk of illness, lessen the severity of symptoms, and prevent missed work or school. Flu vaccines are recommended for everyone six months and older.

"The holidays are a time for togetherness, and we want everyone to stay healthy," said Dr. Puthiery Va, Director of the Maine CDC. "Getting a flu shot is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect yourself and your loved ones against infections and lessen your symptoms if you get the flu. It's not too late to take this step today for a safer, healthier season."

continued: https://www.maine.gov/dhhs/news/seas...ine-2025-12-19

[Commonground]

Maine flu cases continue to rise, state CDC says

Jan 6, 2026
Excerpts:
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention listed Maine as one of many states with "very high" flu activity.
-snip-
Maine CDC data shows nearly 150 hospitalizations and over a dozen new outbreaks this past week. According to their most recent report, flu-related illnesses are spiking in the state earlier into the flu season than this time last year.
In mid-December, Maine was still sitting at low flu activity levels while other parts of the country saw more cases. Two weeks later, numbers skyrocketed, with over 100 hospitalizations.

continued: https://www.wmtw.com/article/maine-f...-says/69928042