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US Flu Season Worsens with Over 15 Million Cases and New Variants

The CDC reports that flu activity in the US continues to rise, with at least 15 million illnesses, 180,000 hospitalizations, and 7,400 deaths this season. The season remains elevated, especially affecting children, with over 18% of doctor visits for children under 4 related to flu, the highest since 2016. Eight pediatric deaths have been reported this week, bringing the season total to 17. Experts warn that flu activity has not peaked and could continue to rise, driven by a new flu variant called subclade K, a subtype of H3N2, which has circulated globally and caused prolonged seasons in Australia and New Zealand. Hospitals in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware report sharp increases in cases, hospitalizations, and severe symptoms, with many infections occurring even among vaccinated individuals. The CDC emphasizes the importance of flu vaccination, although only about 42-43% of adults and children have been vaccinated so far. The CDC has also revised the childhood immunization schedule, recommending vaccination based on shared clinical decision-making, though many health organizations continue to recommend universal vaccination for children six months and older. Public health officials advise ongoing caution as flu activity may persist into spring, with some regions experiencing signs of decline but overall high levels of circulation. The emergence of subclade K suggests a potentially longer and more unpredictable flu season.

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