New Flu Strain Emerges: Is This Winter Worse?

The U.S. flu season is off to a slow start, but a newly emerged virus variant is raising alarms among health officials. This development comes as vaccination rates are noted to be concerningly low, a factor that contributed to last winter's severe flu season, one of the deadliest in recent history. The H1N1 pandemic 15 years ago was the last time hospitalization rates were as high as last winter.

Most current infections are attributed to a new version of the H3N2 virus, which typically impacts older individuals most severely. While preliminary data from the UK suggests existing flu shots offer some protection against this new subclade K variant, experts emphasize that any defense is beneficial. Flu seasons typically peak between December and February, with illnesses expected to accelerate as holiday travel increases.

Researchers face challenges in tracking infection and vaccination trends due to recent data collection disruptions. Compounding these concerns are reports of declining COVID-19 vaccination rates. While some pharmacy data suggests fewer flu shots were administered, the latest CDC figures indicate children's flu vaccination rates are stable, and adult rates have slightly increased. It remains too early to determine if this upward trend will continue.