In brief
Recent data shows that U.S. flu infections have surged over the holiday season, with health experts alerting that the severity of this season may surpass the last. A high percentage of infections are linked to H3N2 virus, particularly a new variant that has emerged, raising concerns about vaccine effectiveness. Current hospitalizations and emergency room visits reflect a worrying trend as more states report high flu activity. Additional recommendations include urging vaccinations for all eligible individuals.
NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. flu infections surged over the holidays, leading health officials to declare this a severe season that may worsen in the coming weeks.
Recent government data for flu activity, covering up to the week of Christmas, reveals that flu incidents are already surpassing last year's epidemic, considered one of the worst in recent history. Additionally, COVID-19 cases have risen, albeit remain less prevalent than flu infections.
During the week of Christmas, 45 states reported high or very high flu activity, marking a significant increase from 30 states the week prior. Public health experts attribute this uptick to the spreading H3N2 flu virus, known to cause severe illness, particularly in older adults.
This season has been marked by a dominant subclade K variant of the H3N2 virus, which has raised concerns as initial analyses suggest over 90% of H3N2 infections are associated with this variant, which differs from this year's flu vaccine strain.
Historically, flu seasons do not peak until January or February, indicating that it is premature to gauge the consequences of this year's vaccine mismatch.
Last flu season was notably severe, resulting in the highest overall hospitalization rates since the H1N1 pandemic over a decade ago. Tragically, child flu deaths reached 288, the highest annual number observed.
This current season has already reported nine pediatric deaths, with the flu-related emergency room visits for children surpassing levels seen previously. The CDC estimates have recorded at least 11 million flu cases this season, resulting in around 120,000 hospitalizations and 5,000 deaths.
The CDC recommends that everyone aged 6 months and older who hasn't been vaccinated yet this season receive an annual flu vaccine to help combat the surge in cases.
