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.
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121 Articles
Superflu Surge: Here Are the Syptoms And How To Treat the Aggressive Flu Strain
With winter in full swing, health officials are sounding the alarm on a new 'super flu' strain called A/H3N2 or the subclade K. It is more aggressive compared to other versions of the flu that we have seen lately and is now the top cause of illness in the United States and spreading globally. While the super flu is a common illness during the winter season, experts said that subclade K is behaving differently and is now triggering early outbreak…
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