Summary
The United States is witnessing a high number of flu cases this winter, with the "super flu" strain, subclade K of the H3N2 virus, responsible for many cases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports millions of illnesses and thousands of hospitalizations and deaths. Despite the term "super flu," this variant is not officially more severe than typical strains, but it spreads easily and rapidly.
Key Facts
- The US is experiencing a large increase in flu cases this winter.
- The "super flu" refers to subclade K of the H3N2 virus, a fast-spreading flu strain.
- At least 7.5 million flu illnesses have been reported in the US this season.
- The CDC recorded 81,000 hospitalizations and 3,100 deaths from the flu so far.
- New York and Connecticut report record-high flu cases.
- Similar flu strains are also causing concerns in European countries.
- There is concern about vaccine coverage as the current flu vaccine may not match subclade K.
- "Super flu" is a term used when a more severe flu strain circulates, but it's not medically official or necessarily more severe.
