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Flu cases are rising rapidly across the United States, fueled by the spread of a new variant of the virus, according to federal health officials.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports flu activity is now high or very high in more than half of U.S. states. Health experts say cases are expected to continue increasing as travel and gatherings tied to the holidays play out.
According to the Associated Press, the surge is being driven by a flu variant known as subclade K, a mutation of the H3N2 strain. Early outbreaks linked to the variant were first detected in the United Kingdom, Japan, and Canada before spreading more widely in the U.S.
The CDC estimates at least 7.5 million flu illnesses, 81,000 hospitalizations, and 3,100 deaths nationwide so far this season, based on data through Dec. 20. At least eight pediatric deaths have been reported.
Some states are seeing particularly sharp increases. New York health officials say the week ending Dec. 20 marked the state’s highest single-week flu case total since 2004.
Experts caution it is still too early to determine whether this flu season will be as severe as last year’s. However, seasons dominated by H3N2 strains tend to result in higher rates of serious illness, especially among older adults.
Health officials emphasize it is not too late to get a flu shot. While this year’s vaccine is not a perfect match for the subclade K strain, early data from the U.K. suggest it still offers partial protection and can reduce the risk of hospitalization.
The CDC says only about 42 percent of Americans have received a flu vaccine so far this season. Vaccination is recommended for nearly everyone age six months and older, particularly seniors, pregnant women, young children, and people with chronic health conditions.
Doctors also note that antiviral medications can help reduce the severity of flu if started within a day or two of symptoms, especially for those at higher risk of complications.
Reporting from the Associated Press and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.