US EditionPublished • loading... • Updated
Super Flu Variant Spreads to 34 Countries as Hospitalizations Surge
Subclade K of influenza A(H3N2) is linked to rising hospitalizations and nearly 30% test positivity in Canada, with children and older adults most affected, WHO reports.
- This past week, the World Health Organization reported A subclade K in at least 34 countries, while the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates 4.6 million illnesses and over 49,000 hospitalizations this season.
- Genomic analyses show H3N2 subclade K gained seven mutations altering its haemagglutinin surface protein, with sequence records tracing its rise from August 2025 in New York, U.S., Australia and New Zealand.
- Clinical sites report that NHS England recorded an average of 2,660 flu hospitalizations last week, and Children's Minnesota cases doubled, according to surveillance data.
- Hospitals are expanding capacity with 130 surge beds and transferring patients between NHS trusts to ease emergency department strain, as UK officials describe a "tidal wave of flu" driving admissions.
- Despite the surge, World Health Organization says seasonal influenza vaccine still protects against severe illness, and licensed antivirals work best if given within 48 hours.
Insights by Ground AI
109 Articles
109 Articles
Coverage Details
Total News Sources109
Leaning Left12Leaning Right8Center36Last UpdatedBias Distribution64% Center
Bias Distribution
- 64% of the sources are Center
64% Center
L 22%
C 64%
14%
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
