Overview
- CDC estimates at least 4.6 million illnesses, 49,000 hospitalizations and 1,900 deaths so far this season in the U.S., including pediatric fatalities.
- Genetic testing shows roughly 89–90% of recent H3N2 samples belong to subclade K, which experts say carries mutations that help it evade some immunity.
- Early U.K. data suggest vaccines remain effective against severe outcomes, with about 70–75% protection in children and roughly 30–40% in adults.
- Health systems are reporting increasing strain heading into the holidays, and authorities urge flu shots for everyone 6 months and older.
- Clinicians recommend prompt antivirals such as oseltamivir or baloxavir for high‑risk patients and basic precautions like staying home when sick and wearing a mask in crowded settings.