In brief
Following a festive holiday season, flu infections in the United States have surged, prompting officials to warn of a potentially severe flu season. Data from the CDC indicates a rapid spread, primarily driven by the H3N2 variant, which has raised concerns due to its mismatch with current vaccines. Hospitalizations are rising sharply, particularly among older individuals. With the flu season historically peaking in January and February, health authorities urge the public to get vaccinated to mitigate further impacts.
NEW YORK (AP) — Following the holiday celebrations, flu infections across the United States have spiked dramatically, leading health officials to declare this flu season as a potentially severe outbreak. The latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), released just after Christmas, reveals that several metrics this season are already surpassing those of last winter, known for being particularly harsh.
In addition to the flu, COVID-19 infections have trended upward, although they remain far less common than influenza, according to federal data.
During the Christmas week, a total of 45 states reported high or very high levels of flu activity, a significant jump from 30 states the week prior. Public health experts suggest the rise in flu cases may be attributed to the predominance of a specific strain, H3N2, which has historically led to higher rates of hospitalization and mortality among older populations.
Concerns grow as over 90% of the analyzed H3N2 infections have been linked to a new variant, the subclade K, which varies from the strain targeted by this season's flu vaccinations.
Typically, flu seasons peak in January or February, making it challenging to predict the overall impact of this year's discrepancies in vaccine efficacy.
The prior flu season, described as one of the worst since the H1N1 pandemic, saw 288 child flu deaths—the worst result in recent U.S. history. This season has already documented nine pediatric fatalities, with emergency room visits for flu symptoms among children exceeding last year's aggregate peak.
The CDC estimates suggest a shocking initiation to this year's flu season, with at least 11 million infections, 120,000 hospitalizations, and 5,000 deaths attributed to flu so far. Officials strongly recommend vaccination for everyone aged six months and older who has yet to receive their flu shot this season.
