Overview
- CDC sequencing shows about 90% of recent U.S. H3N2 viruses are the subclade K offshoot.
- Federal estimates cite at least 4.6 million illnesses, 49,000 hospitalizations and 1,900 deaths so far this season.
- Positive flu tests climbed nearly 15% week over week, with very high outpatient respiratory activity in New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Louisiana and Colorado.
- Experts report the variant arose after vaccine selection, lowering match to infection yet maintaining protection against severe outcomes, so vaccination is still recommended.
- Vaccination uptake is lagging compared with last year as hospitals note rising admissions, including pediatric cases reported in Louisville.