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yesterday

New H3N2 Offshoot Drives Early U.S. Flu Surge as Texas Reaches ‘Very High’ Level

Health agencies say the vaccine remains protective against severe illness despite a partial mismatch, with calls for prompt antiviral treatment.

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Medical Assistant Loreal Velastegui prepares a flu vaccine to be administered at the Esperanza Health Centers Brighton Park North Clinic in Chicago on Dec. 31. The flu season is in full force across the Chicago region, including in the Aurora area. (Eileen T. Meslar/Chicago Tribune)
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Overview

  • CDC data show Texas at a very high flu level for the first time this season, with nearly 25,000 flu-related ER visits in the final week of December.
  • Pennsylvania reported more than 14,300 positive tests in the week ending Jan. 3, and New Jersey saw over 550 flu hospitalizations during the week of Christmas.
  • Genetic surveillance indicates H3N2 subclade K now accounts for roughly 90% of subtyped H3N2 samples in recent CDC testing.
  • Officials urge vaccination for everyone 6 months and older, early use of antivirals for eligible patients, and basic precautions such as masking when sick and staying home.
  • Children are bearing a heavy burden in parts of the country, with ages 5–11 making up more than a quarter of flu-related ER visits in Texas and pediatric clinicians reporting severe cases.