Overview
- New York recorded 4,546 flu hospitalizations in the week ending Dec. 27, a 24% week-over-week jump that state officials say marks the highest single-week total on record.
- Nationally, the CDC estimates at least 7.5 million illnesses, 81,000 hospitalizations and 3,100 deaths so far this season, with very high activity reported in multiple states including Colorado.
- CDC testing shows about 92% of U.S. samples are H3N2 and nearly 90% of those are the emergent subclade K, which was identified after vaccine selection and is linked to rapid case growth.
- Experts say the current vaccine still reduces severe outcomes despite a partial mismatch, yet uptake remains low at roughly 42%, as pediatric deaths and crowded ERs are being reported in several regions.
- Health authorities urge getting vaccinated now, starting antivirals within 48 hours for eligible patients, and using precautions such as staying home when sick, masking in high‑risk settings, and hand hygiene.