Flu Activity Starts to Rise in Tennessee

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Flu cases in Tennessee have seen a slight uptick in activity, with the Northeast region of the state being one of the areas with the most flu-like illness, following the Memphis metro region and Jackson and Madison counties. The state percentage of clinic visits for flu-like illness increased by nearly 1% from Jan. 17 to Jan. 24, ending a three-week decline in flu activity.

Why it matters

The rise and fall of documented flu cases and health care visits follows a similar trend from the 2024-25 season, when flu activity peaked in late January. However, rates this year are lower than they were at the same time last year. The severity of the illness among children aged 0 to 17 is still considered high, which is a concern for public health officials.

The details

In the Northeast region, where the illness was already slightly elevated, outpatient visits rose only marginally. Cases are also rising very slightly nationwide, with rate increases in health care provider visits and lab-tested positive cases totaling less than 1% each. Hospitalization and death rates from the flu continue to go down.

• From Jan. 17 to Jan. 24, the state percentage of clinic visits for flu-like illness increased by nearly 1%.
• The rise and fall of documented cases and health care visits follows a similar trend from the 2024-25 season, when flu activity peaked in late January.