Home / Health / New Flu Strain K Surges: US Faces Early Winter Threat
New Flu Strain K Surges: US Faces Early Winter Threat
16 Dec
Summary
- A mutated H3N2 strain, K subclade, is driving increased flu cases.
- Flu activity surpassed CDC's baseline threshold in early December.
- Vaccination rates are down, and this year's vaccine misses the new strain.
The United States is experiencing a notable increase in influenza A H3N2 cases, attributed to a new variant dubbed subclade K. This mutated strain has already resulted in early and severe flu seasons in various parts of Asia, Australia, and Europe, prompting concerns about a similar trend domestically.
As of early December, flu activity in the US has surpassed the critical threshold set by the CDC, with a significant percentage of doctor visits reporting flu-like symptoms. Health officials emphasize that this marks the official commencement of the flu season, with some regions, particularly the Northeast, reporting moderate to high levels of activity.
Experts highlight that subclade K appears more aggressive, causing intensified symptoms. The situation is exacerbated by declining vaccination rates and the current vaccine's lack of specific coverage for this variant, creating what some describe as a 'perfect storm' for a severe flu season.
