Overview
- The CDC estimates 4.6 million illnesses, 49,000 hospitalizations and 1,900 deaths so far this season, including pediatric deaths.
- Hospital admissions rose about 14% week over week, with very high or high flu activity reported in states such as New York, Rhode Island, Colorado and Louisiana.
- Nearly 90% of genetically analyzed H3N2 viruses belong to subclade K, which has drifted from the vaccine strain.
- Experts report reduced protection against infection from this drifted strain, yet vaccines continue to lower the risk of severe outcomes, with stronger signals in children.
- Health agencies recommend vaccination for everyone 6 months and older and early use of antivirals like oseltamivir or baloxavir for those at higher risk or with confirmed flu.