Overview
- CDC surveillance shows 89.8% of 216 recent H3N2 samples belong to subclade K, which the WHO describes as a notable evolution in the virus.
- Flu activity is rising earlier than usual with a nearly 15% week-to-week jump in positive tests and very high outpatient respiratory activity in New York, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Louisiana, and Colorado.
- Federal estimates put the season’s toll at at least 4.6 million illnesses, 49,000 hospitalizations, and 1,900 deaths, with hospitals reporting increasing pediatric admissions such as cases at Norton Children’s and Norton Healthcare.
- Vaccination rates are below last year and this season’s shot is a partial mismatch for K, yet experts stress it still lowers the risk of severe outcomes and advise early antivirals and measures like masking, ventilation, and staying home when sick.
- Clinicians report intense symptoms including high fevers, persistent cough, and gastrointestinal issues, and CDC guidance flags breathing trouble, chest pain, seizures, and dehydration as reasons to seek urgent care.