00:00Influenza-related illnesses killed 36 Alaskans during the 2025-2026 flu season.
00:06The Alaska Section of Epidemiology reported the deaths in its annual review.
00:11Alaska also recorded more flu cases and deaths than in the previous three seasons.
00:16Only 22.7% of Alaskans aged 19 and older received a flu vaccine.
00:21That rate was less than half the estimated national average.
00:25A November spike in infections also mirrored trends seen across the country.
00:30State health officials say several factors may have contributed to the season's severity.
00:34These included concentrated transmission, virus characteristics, and low vaccination coverage.
00:40Flu activity in Alaska has been rising again since mid-August.
00:44The state's flu season typically runs from October through July.
00:48Health officials are recommending flu vaccination for Alaskans six months and older.
00:52They say vaccination remains an important measure as the new flu season approaches.
00:57Disclosure, this video contains stock footage and content created or enhanced using AI-assisted tools.
