All articles tagged with #h3n2
The Wyoming Department of Health announced the death of a Fremont County child from influenza, part of a season dominated by the H3N2 strain; officials say flu can be serious, encourage annual vaccination, and outline preventive measures and antiviral treatment, noting nationwide pediatric deaths and that most affected children were not up to date on vaccines.
A Fremont County child has died from flu-related complications in the 2025-2026 season as the H3N2 strain dominates. Nationwide, 52 pediatric flu deaths have been reported, with about 90% of the children not up to date on flu vaccination. Health officials urge updated vaccination, staying home when ill, covering coughs, and handwashing; antiviral meds are recommended for higher-risk groups when started quickly, and flu shots remain widely available.
Massachusetts health officials report a fifth pediatric death linked to influenza this season, with two deaths in the week of Dec. 21 and two more in the week of Dec. 28–Jan. 3; the fifth death is included in data through Jan. 10. Two of the children were under 2 and in Boston, the city’s first pediatric flu deaths since 2013. Adult flu deaths in MA total 107 for the season, with 45 in the Dec. 28–Jan. 3 week. Nationally, 32 children have died from flu this year, with about 18 million illnesses and 230,000 hospitalizations; the season is driven by the H3N2 strain, of which roughly 90% are a new variant not matched by this year’s vaccine. In MA, 470 flu-related deaths have occurred this season, up from 251 last season, as officials continue to urge vaccination.
CDC data show an 18% drop in confirmed flu cases and fewer hospitalizations, yet 32 pediatric flu deaths have occurred this season (15 more in the week ending Jan. 10). The season is driven by a mutated H3N2 subclade K, which has diverged from this year’s vaccine, though the shot remains protective against severe illness and hospitalization. About 90% of pediatric deaths have been in unvaccinated kids, and there are state-by-state differences with some areas peaking later and schools still dealing with flu and other winter illnesses. While nationwide trends are downward, experts caution that the worst may not be over and vaccination remains an important tool, even as CDC guidance recently shifted away from universal vaccination for all children.)
California health officials warn that a newly emerged influenza A H3N2 subclade K is driving elevated flu activity and hospitalizations statewide, with Los Angeles County reporting 162 flu-related hospitalizations and 18 ICU admissions since late 2025. The season has been among the worst in U.S. history, with the CDC estimating about 15 million infections, 180,000 hospitalizations and 7,400 deaths nationwide, including pediatric deaths in California. Experts say the strain may partly evade immunity, but vaccines still reduce severe illness and hospitalization; officials urge vaccination and early antiviral treatment for high-risk populations to blunt severe outcomes.
Kanawha County's Chief Health Officer says this year's H3N2 flu strain has been unusually severe, with widespread aches, fever, stomach pain and nausea, and has led to school disruptions in Wetzel County and a pediatric death in Ohio. While the vaccine's effectiveness is down against the new strain, health experts still urge vaccination to reduce illness duration and hospitalizations, especially for the elderly.
A highly mutated H3N2 influenza variant, subclade K, has risen to global dominance, contributing to a worse-than-average flu season as the circulating strain differs from the vaccine, while immunity from past infections wanes. Vaccines may still protect against severe disease, but the season started earlier and cases are surging in multiple countries, straining healthcare systems.
A fast-spreading H3N2 influenza A variant is driving a surge in emergency department visits and hospitalizations across Western Washington, with 10 flu-related deaths in King County; vaccination rates are about 31%, but shots remain the best protection against severe illness, as officials urge vaccination and preventive measures through the winter peak.
Massachusetts still faces a brutal flu season even as flu-like illness dipping slightly (from just over 12% to just under 11%) keeps New England in a ‘very high’ activity range. A total of 66 deaths have occurred, including four children. The dominant influenza A H3N2 subclade K may partly evade antibodies, vaccination rates are around 35% in MA, and hospitals report heavy influenza-related visits (UMass Memorial logged about 2,615 cases since Oct). Officials warn another wave could follow, potentially with influenza B, and emphasize prevention and early antiviral treatment, especially for young children and older adults.
A new flu strain called 'Super-K' or subclade-K, a drifted version of H3N2, is spreading unusually in Australia outside the typical flu season, potentially increasing healthcare pressure. While not more severe, it is more transmissible and slightly less responsive to vaccines, prompting updates to the 2026 flu vaccine. Experts recommend vaccination and preventive measures to reduce infection risk.
Wisconsin is experiencing a surge in flu hospitalizations, surpassing last winter's peak, driven by a new H3N2 variant. Despite high activity, vaccination rates are low, with only about 30% of residents vaccinated, though vaccination remains recommended to protect against current and emerging strains. The CDC reports nationwide high flu activity with significant hospitalizations and deaths, emphasizing the importance of vaccination and preparedness.
Flu cases are surging in the U.S., with doctor visits reaching their highest levels since 1997, driven by the spread of the H3N2 strain and a decline in vaccination rates, resulting in over 5,000 deaths and widespread high flu activity across many states.
US flu cases are rising sharply, with the current season already surpassing last year's severity, driven mainly by the H3N2 strain, which has a new subclade. The CDC warns of a potentially worse outbreak, especially among children, and emphasizes the importance of vaccination for everyone over 6 months old.
The flu season in the U.S. is rapidly worsening due to a new variant called subclade K of H3N2, leading to high case numbers and hospitalizations, with vaccination still recommended despite partial vaccine mismatch; health officials warn the season could be severe, especially for vulnerable groups.
The flu season is particularly severe this year, driven by an unexpected H3N2 strain called subclade K, leading to record hospitalizations and pediatric deaths across the U.S., despite a mismatched vaccine, highlighting the need for vaccination and vigilance.