Summary Points
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The current flu season in the U.S. is one of the worst in nearly 30 years, with over 15 million illnesses, 180,000 hospitalizations, and 7,400 deaths, including 17 children, according to the CDC.
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Most flu cases are linked to the influenza subtype A(H3N2), specifically the subclade K, which allows the virus to spread more easily but does not cause more severe illness than previous strains.
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Flu vaccination rates are declining, with only 42% of U.S. children and 44.1% of adults vaccinated this season, despite vaccines reducing hospitalization risk by 50% in prior seasons.
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To protect against the flu, experts recommend vaccination, wearing masks in crowded spaces, practicing good hand hygiene, and using antiviral medications promptly if symptoms arise.
Flu Season Peaks Amid High Infection Rates
This year’s flu season has struck hard. As of January 9, the CDC reports over 15 million flu cases across the U.S. Notably, 180,000 people have required hospitalization, and 7,400 have tragically lost their lives to the virus. Health experts indicate this flu season could be the worst in nearly 30 years. While the CDC rates it as moderate severity, ongoing case numbers resemble those from the high-severity season of 2024-2025. Though there was a slight dip in confirmed cases early January, experts caution against assuming the peak has passed, as flu activity often peaks between December and February.
One of the main culprits behind this surge is a variant known as subclade K. This strain, primarily an A(H3N2) subtype, has genetic mutations that allow it to evade pre-existing immunity in the population. Moreover, current symptoms do not appear more severe than in past flu seasons. Individuals can experience fever, cough, body aches, and fatigue, similar to what they have seen before.
Importance of Vaccination and Preventive Measures
While the flu vaccine may not be an ideal match for subclade K, it remains crucial for preventing severe illness. Studies from the Southern Hemisphere, where flu cases generally precede those in the U.S., show that the vaccine remains effective, reducing flu-related doctor visits and hospitalizations by 50%. Still, vaccination rates have dropped this year. Only 42% of U.S. children received their flu vaccinations, a decline from 53% in the previous high season. Low vaccination rates can lead to serious consequences, as evidenced by previous seasons where countless children who succumbed to flu-related illnesses had not received a shot.
It’s not too late to get vaccinated. Health officials encourage everyone to consider getting the flu vaccine, especially those at higher risk, such as older adults and people with chronic conditions. In addition to vaccination, wearing masks in crowded spaces, practicing good hand hygiene, and staying home when ill can also help mitigate the flu’s spread. For those who contract the virus, antiviral medications can provide critical relief if taken early. By working together to stay healthy and informed, we can navigate this challenging flu season effectively.
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