Flu cases are spiking across the United States this holiday season, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reporting at least 7.5 million illnesses. The flu has led to approximately 81,000 hospitalizations and 3,100 deaths, including eight pediatric fatalities, according to the CDC’s latest data.
The rise in cases is largely attributed to a new variant of the H3N2 virus, known as subclade K. This variant has been circulating since the summer and has contributed to flu spikes in countries like Canada, Japan, and the U.K. In the U.S., about 92% of flu samples tested were H3N2, with nearly 90% of those being subclade K.
The flu is spreading rapidly, with more than half of the states experiencing high or very high levels of respiratory illness. States like New York have reported record numbers of flu cases, with New York’s health department noting 71,000 cases in a single week, the highest since 2004.
Despite the flu vaccine’s partial mismatch with subclade K, health experts emphasize that vaccination can still prevent severe illness. Only about 42% of adults and children have received the flu vaccine so far this season. The CDC and medical professionals continue to recommend flu shots for everyone aged six months and older, highlighting its importance for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, young children, and those with chronic health conditions.
As the flu season progresses, experts expect cases to continue rising, especially after holiday gatherings and colder weather. The CDC advises people to get vaccinated and practice good hygiene to reduce the spread of the virus. For those at high risk, prescription medicines are available but need to be started shortly after symptoms appear.
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