At a Glance
- Flu cases climbing to 7.5 million in the U.S. this season.
- New variant subclade K spurring outbreaks overseas and in U.S. states.
- Only 42 % of adults and children have received a flu shot so far.
- Why it matters: The surge threatens hospitals and highlights the need for vaccination before holiday travel.
WASHINGTON (News Of Austin) – Flu is rising rapidly across the U.S., driven by a new variant of the virus – and cases are expected to keep growing with holiday travel. The U.S. flu season is accelerating as a new subclade K variant spreads, pushing case counts past 7.5 million and leaving less than half the population vaccinated. With holiday travel on the horizon, public health officials urge the public to get vaccinated even though the current vaccine isn’t a perfect match.
Rising Flu Numbers
CDC data released Tuesday show high or very high levels of illness in more than half the states. The agency estimates at least 7.5 million illnesses, 81,000 hospitalizations, and 3,100 deaths-eight of them children-based on data up to Dec. 20, before major holiday gatherings.
New Variant Details
Subclade K is a mutated version of the H3N2 strain, known for severe illness in older adults. While it isn’t a new type of flu, its mutations allow it to evade some protection from this year’s vaccine.
Vaccination Status
Only about 42 % of adults and children have received a flu shot this season, according to CDC data.
- 65 + years old
- Pregnant women
- Young children
- People with chronic health problems such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, and weak immune systems
Treatment and Prevention
Prescription antivirals exist but must be started early. The CDC and major medical societies recommend the vaccine for everyone aged 6 months and older. Flu vaccines protect against three strains and are a good match for H1N1 and Type B, even if subclade K is less covered.
Flu shots are available for all ages, and the nasal spray FluMist is approved for ages 2 to 49. For the first time this year, some people may vaccinate themselves with FluMist at home.
Key Takeaways
- The U.S. flu season has surpassed 7.5 million cases with a new subclade K variant.
- Only 42 % of the population has been vaccinated, underscoring the urgency before holiday travel.
- Flu vaccines remain effective against H1N1 and Type B, and the new FluMist option may increase coverage.
The rapid rise in cases and limited vaccination rates mean that hospitals and travelers alike should act quickly to protect themselves and others.
